Football League World
·18 September 2024
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·18 September 2024
Aaron Ramsey has had a torrid time out injured which has put a halt to his Burnley career progressing, once fit he could light up Championship
It's been a difficult spell for Aaron Ramsey so far at Burnley after a knee injury halted his progression with the Clarets, but he could shine when back fit.
Ramsey has certainly not had much luck. A knee injury in a Premier League fixture versus Arsenal has seen the youngster out of action for the majority of 2024.
A move to Burnley from Aston Villa for a reported £12 million had given the Clarets fans a buzz after the signing of the highly-rated youngster.
But 17 appearances later, Ramsey hasn't been able to make his mark at Turf Moor, with his injury record the main culprit.
The 21-year-old has recently returned to training and will be hoping to kick into life under Scott Parker, and prove that Villa were wrong to let him go.
We've seen one Ramsey shine at Villa Park, in that of Jacob (Aaron's brother), but the Burnley player never got his shot to flourish alongside his sibling and is on a quest to fill his former club with regret.
If he hits his form like he has in the Championship, it could turn out to be a sloppy decision from the Villa board if promotion is achieved.
The move to Burnley came about after impressive spells in the Championship with Middlesbrough and Norwich in the 2022/23 season, appearing as a dangerous outlet in a short amount of time.
Add to this an early international pedigree with England U20's and U19's, and Ramsey has a potential still waiting to be unlocked.
A young player on the Championship scene normally bodes well, and if Ramsey has the right ambition, he can become a key player in Parker's side when he's fit.
An injury is always a tricky period in a player's career. Mentally, it can destroy you in your pursuit of progression, but it can also see the manager strengthen in the position you play.
Parker did that after the acquisition of Hannibal Mejbri from Manchester United. Another young midfielder in the squad is always good for competition, and that's something Ramsey will have to prove when he returns.
The Tunisian international is quickly becoming a fan favourite after his early performances for the Clarets, but this shouldn't put Ramsey down.
In his brief spell before injury, Ramsey showed glimpses of what is to come in his Burnley career. He's got minimal Premier League experience, but in games versus Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool, it could be a vital tool Parker could use.
To go from that to the Championship is a major step down, and although Ramsey didn't produce in those games, he could see the Championship in a different light now.
It's certainly going to bring up discussion about who will take that number ten role for the Clarets, but Parker will enjoy the young talent putting up a fight for their place in the squad.
Villa have been known over the years to sell their homegrown products, but some were probably surprised to see Ramsey go permanently after shining for Boro and Norwich.
Once fully fit, Ramsey can show his abilities, being quick-in link-up play, off the ball movements and getting stuck into attacking duels. Judging by his five goals in 11 games for Boro, he also has a standard set in front of goal.
A player like this can prove their worth in Parker's system.
That number ten role in a 4-2-3-1 could be made for him, but he will have to work hard for it as confidence grows amongst his teammates. He is also adaptable, and can play off the left, which provides Parker with plenty of options to shoehorn an undoubted talent into his XI.
In years to come, Villa may be lacking what Ramsey provides if he hits his true potential and, considering Emery plays a 4-2-3-1 himself, Villa might have shot themselves in the foot.
A loan to Burnley from Villa would probably have been wise, and considering he's 21, it's a risky move.
Burnley may hope Villa's regret comes from Ramsey hitting form and guiding the Clarets back to the Premier League.
This might not work in Villa's favour, potentially proving to be a bargain in the long-term for Burnley and even facing his former employers in the top-flight.
Villa knew of Ramsey's potential and might not be too worried with him out injured. But in years to come, the youngster could be flourishing and Burnley might just be demanding a high fee to let him go, something Villa pride themsleves on in their development of young players.
If he hits the ground running when fit for the Clarets, Villa will soon come to regret the permanent move.