Steven Gerrard promises to keep 'provoking' Aston Villa ace in best way possible

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has praised Jacob Ramsey after the midfielder picked up two awards at the club’s end of season awards.

The 20-year-old was voted the Players’ Player of the Season, as well as Young Player of the Season, to cap off what has been an impressive campaign. The academy graduate has been a fixture of the Villa midfield this term under both Dean Smith and Gerrard, making 31 appearances and scoring six goals.

Ramsey , who recently signed a new deal until 2027, has previously admitted that he studied clips of the Villa boss when he was growing up. And Gerrard has praised the young midfielder, insisting that he should use his double award win as proof that his hard work will continue to pay off in the future.

“He should take big belief and confidence from the awards,” the Villa head coach said. “JJ is the driver of his own future, he can be what he wants to be.

“It’s my job to keep him grounded and humble and keep pushing him hard, provoking him and challenging him and shaping him, and that’s what we’ll give him. We’ll give him all the support that he needs.

“But you know, the next 15 years, he’s the driver of how he wants his career to look. He’s a big, big talent and it’s no surprise that he won both awards because since I came in the door he’s definitely been one of the most consistent players in our group.”

Ramsey has missed the team’s last two games through injury but will be back in contention to face Crystal Palace on Sunday. Matty Cash was also voted Supporters' Player of the Season at the awards, where Philippe Coutinho was announced as a Villa player , but the manager has stressed the significance of Ramsey being voted for by his teammates.

“They are with him every single day,