Tottenham set to submit offer for Aston Villa midfielder that Will brings much needed ball carrying ability to Tottenham
Jacob Ramsey to Tottenham? How the Aston Villa Midfielder Could Fit Into Thomas Frank’s Spurs Revolution
With Thomas Frank reportedly poised to take the reins at Tottenham Hotspur, the club is preparing for a significant tactical shift, especially in midfield. The Danish manager, known for his disciplined and well-structured approach during his tenure at Brentford, is expected to replicate many of those successful principles in North London. As a result, Spurs are now actively identifying midfield targets who not only align with Frank’s footballing ideology but also bring Premier League experience and versatility to the table.
One name that has emerged prominently in recent weeks is Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is believed to be monitoring the situation at Villa Park closely, as Unai Emery’s side could be compelled to make player sales this summer due to Financial Fair Play constraints. With Spurs having secured Champions League qualification and added to their budget by clinching the Europa League title, Levy has more financial flexibility than in recent years—making Ramsey a realistic and strategic acquisition.
A Tactical Evolution Under Thomas Frank
Should Frank indeed be appointed, Tottenham will move away from the possession-heavy, high-tempo positional play popularized under Ange Postecoglou. Instead, Frank is likely to instill a more balanced, methodical system based on structured pressing, controlled transitions, and vertical efficiency. That means every midfielder in his setup must be tactically intelligent, press-resistant, and capable of executing fast, purposeful ball progression when the moment arises.
Ramsey fits that bill. The 23-year-old has developed into a multi-dimensional midfielder under Unai Emery, demonstrating excellent ball-carrying ability, vision in tight spaces, and a knack for making incisive runs into the box. He combines technical skill with physicality, and his press resistance under pressure has been a standout feature of his game. These are attributes that would translate well into Frank’s envisioned Spurs engine room—especially in roles that demand both discipline and dynamism.
Why Ramsey Makes Sense for Spurs—and Levy
Beyond tactics, there’s the business angle. Daniel Levy is a shrewd operator in the transfer market, and the opportunity to sign a young, homegrown Premier League-proven talent at a potentially discounted price is exactly the type of move he thrives on. While some Spurs targets still need time to adapt to the pace and demands of English football, Ramsey is already well-acquainted with the league’s intensity. That makes him a lower-risk investment and someone who could contribute immediately upon arrival.
Moreover, the homegrown status Ramsey holds is an added bonus in terms of squad registration for European competitions—something that will certainly appeal to both Frank and the club hierarchy.
Where Would Ramsey Play in Frank’s System?
Option 1: Left-Sided #8 in a 4-3-3
In a classic 4-3-3 setup, Ramsey could occupy the left-sided number 8 role, much like Mathias Jensen did under Frank at Brentford. However, while Jensen excelled at progressing play through passing, Ramsey offers a more direct and aggressive route forward via his dribbling and ball-carrying. His ability to drive forward, connect with overlapping fullbacks (such as Destiny Udogie), and arrive late into the penalty area makes him an attacking threat as well as a reliable midfield link.
In this role, he would also be expected to contribute significantly to the high-pressing game Frank favours in the mid-block. His mobility and engine make him well-suited to hunt the ball and force turnovers, helping Spurs regain control higher up the pitch.
Option 2: Advanced Midfielder in a 3-5-2 (Maddison Alternative)
In matches where Frank opts for a more compact 3-5-2 formation—especially when James Maddison is unavailable—Ramsey could step into the advanced midfield role. Though Maddison is more of a creative technician who thrives on threading passes in the final third, Ramsey offers a different but equally valuable skill set. His ability to carry the ball under pressure and burst through defensive lines makes him an ideal fit for a more direct transitional game plan.
In this role, Ramsey could act as a second-wave attacker, combining with strikers and wing-backs in counter-attacks while also providing a goal-scoring threat from deeper positions. His movement and ability to link phases of play would offer Frank tactical flexibility depending on the opponent and game context.
Final Thoughts: Is Ramsey the Right Profile?
While Jacob Ramsey may not carry the superstar allure of some other midfielders linked with a move to North London, what he does offer is a tailored skill set that aligns with what Thomas Frank is expected to build at Spurs. He’s dynamic, tactically aware, experienced in the Premier League, and still has untapped potential that could be unlocked in a more structured system.
The question isn’t whether Ramsey is flashy—it’s whether he fits. And based on both his current attributes and his developmental trajectory, the answer appears to be yes. If Tottenham are serious about building a midfield that balances control, power, and progression, then Ramsey could be a smart addition to usher in this new era under Frank.