• Jacob Ramsey of Aston Villa is thrilled with the signings made during the January transfer window.
• Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio's signings increase contention for spots.
• 23-year-old outperformed Tottenham in the FA Cup fourth round.
Aston Villa pair Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers both praised the club's acquisitions in the January transfer window as "incredible" after contributing to their team's advancement into the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2015.
Both players scored as Villa defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at Villa Park in front of an exuberant home audience.
Ramsey found the net in the game's second minute, although Tottenham's goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky should likely have made the save. However, player of the match Rogers sealed the victory after the break, making Mathys Tel's inaugural goal for Tottenham meaningless.
It was yet another remarkable performance from a Villa team that consistently appeared threatening when advancing. Ramsey began on the left side of an offensive group featuring Rogers, Leon Bailey, and Donyell Malen, while manager Unai Emery could utilize January recruits Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio during the final moments.
Before his January move, Rashford had spent his whole career at Manchester United, while Asensio boasts three Champions League titles with Real Madrid – a testament to the level of players Villa can now lure.
"I believe it's likely one of the finest squads we've ever had," Ramsey remarked to BBC One following the match. "We have experience with [Marcus] Rashford and [Marco] Asensio entering the game and Donyell Malen beginning the match." The team's depth is astounding. The starting players need to elevate their performance now since the substitutes pose a significant threat.
"It drives us forward; we aim to learn as much as possible from the seasoned players in the team," Rogers remarked about the heightened rivalry from those who have excelled at the top tier. "It's important to have individuals like that in the building, and we can hopefully motivate one another."
After scoring to level the match, Rogers stated: "The second goal was crucial; we performed well, but we hadn't put the game to rest." We might have added a couple more goals, but generally, we are pleased with the performance and the victory.
"I'm working on improving, aiming to be better, but the team is attempting to build something, and we'll see where it leads us."
Both players are probably on the mind of England manager Thomas Tuchel, as the initial international break under the German's guidance is nearing quickly. Rashford will also aim to excel at Villa to potentially re-enter the spotlight – the 27-year-old was excluded from England's team for Euro 2024 by former manager Gareth Southgate.
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