Aston Villa FC Midfielders 2024/25
Aston Villa FC midfielders for the 2024/25 season features a dynamic mix of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, each contributing uniquely to the team’s ambitions. Below is an overview of the midfielders, detailing their backgrounds and career trajectories.
1. John McGinn
John McGinn, born on October 18, 1994, in Glasgow, Scotland, is a central midfielder renowned for his tenacity and leadership. He began his professional career at St. Mirren before moving to Hibernian. In August 2018, McGinn transferred to join Aston Villa FC midfielders crew for a reported fee of around £2.75 million.
Since then, he has been instrumental in Villa’s midfield, contributing significantly to their promotion to the Premier League and subsequent campaigns. As of the 2024/25 season, McGinn continues to be a pivotal figure in the team’s midfield dynamics.
2. Youri Tielemans
Youri Tielemans, born on May 7, 1997, in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Belgium, is a central midfielder celebrated for his vision and passing accuracy. He began his career at Anderlecht, making a name for himself as one of Europe’s promising talents.
In 2017, Tielemans moved to AS Monaco before joining Leicester City in 2019, initially on loan and then permanently for a fee of £40 million. In the summer of 2024, Tielemans joined Aston Villa FC midfielders squad on a free transfer after his contract with Leicester expired. His experience in the Premier League and international stage with Belgium adds depth and creativity to Villa’s midfield.
3. Emiliano Buendía
Emiliano Buendía, born on December 25, 1996, in Mar del Plata, Argentina, is an attacking midfielder known for his creativity and playmaking abilities. Buendía started his career at Getafe CF in Spain before moving to Norwich City in 2018, where he played a crucial role in their promotion to the Premier League. In June 2021, Aston Villa FC midfielders gang secured Buendía’s services for a club-record fee of around £33 million. Since joining Villa, he has been a key contributor in the attacking third, providing assists and scoring goals. Buendía’s flair and vision make him an essential component of Villa’s offensive strategies.
4. Jacob Ramsey
Jacob Ramsey, born on May 28, 2001, in Birmingham, England, is a product of Aston Villa’s youth academy. A central midfielder with a knack for driving forward and contributing to attacks, Ramsey made his first-team debut in 2019. Over the past seasons, he has developed into a regular starter, showcasing maturity beyond his years. His performances have attracted attention, and he is considered one of England’s promising young talents. Ramsey’s progression from the academy to the first team exemplifies Villa’s commitment to nurturing homegrown players.
5. Boubacar Kamara
Boubacar Kamara, born on November 23, 1999, in Marseille, France, is a defensive midfielder recognized for his composure and tactical awareness. Kamara began his career at Olympique de Marseille, breaking into the first team as a teenager. In July 2022, he joined Aston Villa on a free transfer, seeking to make an impact in the Premier League. Kamara’s ability to break up opposition play and distribute the ball efficiently has been valuable to Villa’s midfield stability. His versatility also allows him to operate as a central defender when needed.
6. Leon Bailey
Leon Bailey, born on August 9, 1997, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a winger who adds pace and creativity to Aston Villa’s midfield. Bailey’s professional journey began in Europe with Genk before moving to Bayer Leverkusen in 2017, where he made a significant impact in the Bundesliga. In August 2021, Bailey transferred to Aston Villa for a reported fee of £25 million. His speed and dribbling skills provide Villa with a dynamic edge on the flanks, and he has been instrumental in creating scoring opportunities.
7. Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley, born on December 5, 1993, in Liverpool, England, is an experienced midfielder known for his attacking prowess and ability to drive forward from midfield. Barkley began his career at Everton FC, making a name for himself as a promising talent. In January 2018, he moved to Chelsea for a fee of £15 million. Barkley had a loan spell at Aston Villa during the 2020/21 season, where he contributed significantly to the team’s performances. In July 2024, Barkley returned to Villa on a permanent basis from Luton Town FC, signing a three-year contract. His experience and creativity are expected to bolster Villa’s midfield options.
8. Amadou Onana
Amadou Onana, born on August 16, 2001, in Dakar, Senegal, is a Belgian international midfielder known for his physical presence and versatility. Onana began his professional career at Hoffenheim before moving to Hamburger SV and then Lille. In August 2022, he joined Everton for a fee of £33 million. After two seasons at Everton, Onana transferred to Aston Villa in July 2024 for a club-record fee of £50 million. His performances at Everton and for the Belgian national team have highlighted his potential, and he is expected to play a key role in Aston Villa FC midfielders setup.
9. Aidan Borland
Aidan Borland, born on March 14, 2006, in Scotland, is a young midfielder who has progressed through Aston Villa’s youth ranks. Known for his technical skills and vision, Borland has been training with the first team and is considered a promising talent for the future. As of the 2024/25 season, he is yet to make his senior debut but remains a player to watch as he develops within the club’s academy.
10. Jamaldeen Jimoh
Jamaldeen Jimoh, born on January 22, 2005, in England, is another emerging talent from Aston Villa’s academy system. Known for his versatility and work ethic, Jimoh has made significant strides in his development, representing the youth teams with distinction. Though yet to debut for the senior side, his performances in the U21 setup have marked him as a potential future star for Aston Villa FC midfielders squad. As the 2024/25 season unfolds, he will aim to push for opportunities in cup competitions or Premier League fixtures.
Overview of Aston Villa’s Midfield Dynamics
Aston Villa’s midfield for the 2024/25 season is a balanced mix of experienced internationals and young talents, capable of adapting to various tactical setups under the guidance of manager Unai Emery.
Key Attributes:
- Creativity and Playmaking: Players like Emiliano Buendía and Youri Tielemans provide the creative spark, unlocking defenses with their incisive passing and vision.
- Defensive Solidity: Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana add much-needed stability, shielding the backline and recycling possession effectively.
- Youthful Energy: Jacob Ramsey, Aidan Borland, and Jamaldeen Jimoh bring enthusiasm and potential, representing the club’s future.
- Experience and Leadership: The presence of seasoned professionals like John McGinn and Ross Barkley ensures a steadying influence, both on and off the pitch.
Transfer Insights:
Aston Villa’s recruitment strategy reflects a keen eye for value and potential. The acquisition of Youri Tielemans on a free transfer is a testament to the club’s smart business approach, while the record-breaking signing of Amadou Onana highlights their ambition to compete at the highest level.
Squad Depth and Rotation
With a packed fixture schedule due to league commitments and potential cup runs, squad rotation will be crucial. The depth in midfield ensures that Unai Emery can adapt to different opponents while managing player fitness.
Predicted Roles:
- Starting Midfield Core: John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, and Boubacar Kamara are likely to feature regularly, given their experience and consistency.
- Rotational Options: Jacob Ramsey and Ross Barkley will provide fresh legs and tactical flexibility.
- Impact Substitutes: Emiliano Buendía and Leon Bailey, although primarily attackers, may drop into midfield roles to influence games creatively.
- Emerging Talent: Aidan Borland and Jamaldeen Jimoh will likely feature in domestic cup competitions and U21 matches, gradually integrating into the senior squad.
Season Expectations
Aston Villa’s midfield is well-equipped to compete in the 2024/25 Premier League season, aiming to secure a top-six finish and a strong showing in cup competitions. With a mix of established stars and emerging prospects, the club’s midfield epitomizes the perfect blend of experience, talent, and ambition. Fans will eagerly watch the development of young players like Jacob Ramsey and Aidan Borland while relying on seasoned campaigners such as John McGinn and Youri Tielemans to deliver consistent performances. Villa’s ability to control games and dominate the midfield battle will be a critical factor in determining their success this season.
In conclusion, Aston Villa’s midfield is a testament to the club’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation, setting the stage for an exciting 2024/25 campaign. With a strong roster and a clear vision, the team is poised to make significant strides in domestic and European competitions.