Jacob Ramsey is one of the most exciting up-and-coming midfielders in the Premier League.
Ramsey’s excellent technique, ability to beat players with his quick feet and pace and industriousness in midfield make him a potential top player in the making.
However, in the Premier League, the Aston Villa technician has come up against some of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
Manchester City have had some of the very best at their disposal.
Names like Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden spring to mind — who have all gone toe-to-toe with the 23-year-old.
In the last five outings between both sides, Pep Guardiola’s men have won three as well as drawing and losing one game apiece.
Ramsey makes intriguing revelation about facing Rodri
For Ramsey, facing such world-class midfielders must have been a footballing lesson.
While the Villa academy graduate would have had a tough time, he also could have learned several teachings from some of the best players in the world.
As a result, the Englishman would likely have enjoyed the experiences regardless and perhaps been motivated to reach such high standards himself.
But out of all the terrific midfielders who he has come up against across his career, Ramsey named Rodri as his hardest-ever opponent.
Ramsey told JD Football on TikTok: “Toughest opponent, I’d say Rodri from Man City, just so hard to get the ball off him, technically good and he always keeps the ball.”
Even Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe feels Rodri is the best player in the Premier League currently.
The £62.5 million man is yet to play a single game in the 2024/2025 season and yet, he commands such respect from big names in football.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Rodri must be virtually impossible to play against
Even for a midfielder like Ramsey who is a class act both technically and physically, it is understandable why Rodri is such a challenge for him to play against.
The Spaniard is an exceptional technician, one of the strongest players in Europe, incredibly intelligent, supremely well-rounded and a leader.
As a result, it must be difficult for most players who play against Rodri to exploit any weakness in his game as he virtually has none.
Furthermore, the Euro 2024 winner has been in the form of his life for the past few years which must make it especially challenging to come up against him nowadays.
