| Ricardo Jones D: O: B 29-9-78 Height: 199cm Weight: 100kg Clubs: Violet Kickers 1995-97, Aston Villa 1997-99, West Ham 1999-2001 Aston Villa 2001- International: Jamaica 2000- Ricardo Jones became the third Jones to play international football when he debuted against Greece in October 2000. An attacking midfielder, Jones is an extremely unusual player for his size. Generally a man nearly 6’7’’ would be waiting in the box to head home crosses, but Ricardo is instead the man setting up opportunities for others. Only when Jamaica needs 3 forwards will Jones move-up and let Bobbins Henry play attacking half, but as a ball winning midfielder he has no peer. Ricardo Jones was a relatively late bloomer, although he was thrust into the Violet Kickers starting line-up when only 16. Most felt he was only there as the hype built around Nibblet’s possible debut for Chelsea and Sam broke into the USA side. Similarities with his cousins were obvious, but at 16 Ricardo was gangly and mentally unprepared for top Jamaican soccer. Throughout 1995-96 and 1996-97 Jones spent a lot of time on the bench, but he was learning and developing. A scout for English Premier League side Aston Villa persuaded Jones to leave his homeland for the 1997-98 season. For the next two seasons Jones continued through the reserves and youth team, his Premier League debut coming off the bench in September 1998 against Arsenal. However, he was frustrated at not being able to make the Jamaican side. In 1999-2000 Jones signed for West Ham and struggled with injury and loss of form. He played 5 matches all season and still couldn’t make the national side, even though the talent was clear to all. In 2000-01 Jones immediately went into the starting line-up, and suddenly his career took a turn for the better. An upward spiral seemingly went out of control, as he became a star in the Premier League. His debut for Jamaica at the ripe old age of 22 began what is sure to be an exciting career. Many feel Ricardo Jones has merely scratched the surface of his talents. Already a huge star for West Ham and Jamaica, Ricardo is still not quite internationally respected like Nibblet. Being thrust into top soccer too soon seemed to damage his confidence, which took time to regain. Ricardo’s ball skills are probably somewhere just below Henry and just above Nibblet. He possesses searing pace, obvious heading ability and strength, and the best defensive abilities of Jamaica’s five stars. Ricardo Jones has the ability to go anywhere he wants in soccer. Now the youngster has joined rejoined Aston Villa. The youngster proved a super investment for Hammers in his two years with the club. Joining for 1,500,000 Pounds and leaving for 9,000,000. He leaves a stunning list of youngsters to leave Upton Park in the past two seasons. |