Young Lions Watch: Three Aston Villa starlets reportedly given senior boosts
Aston Villa have given three of their brightest young talents clear pathways into their senior plans, according to the Birmingham Mail.
The club have been heavily investing in youth since their promotion in 2019, which saw the club bring in Mark Harrison from West Brom to manage the academy.
In a Q&A with Villa fans on Tuesday morning (5 July), Birmingham Mail reporter Ashley Preece outlined that Steven Gerrard will be looking at three of Villa’s young stars this summer.
Firstly, Josh Feeney has been given a new and improved professional contract and will look to keep him around the first team before a senior loan in January.
Ben Chrisene has also impressed so much in training that he could stop Villa from signing a new left-back, while Finn Azaz will also be given a chance in the first team this summer.
This could save Villa millions
Gerrard’s background is in youth coaching, as is Neil Critchley’s, so both know the value that nurturing young talent has.
Chrisene, Feeney and Azaz are all supremely talented players and them being given chances to shine in the senior team is encouraging.
Azaz is the oldest of the three but also the most experienced, having full seasons with Cheltenham Town and Newport County under his belt.
His spell at The Exiles last season saw him collect the Young Player of the Year award for League Two, with his performances showing that he is far too good for that level.
Chrisene is already Villa’s third-choice left-back and made seven first-team squads last season, which could save the club millions by not signing a new player in his position.
Feeney is more one for the future with the likes of Tyrone Mings and Diego Carlos in his position, although he has been training with the first team for some time now.
However, Villa prioritising getting football for their youngest stars shows that the club is placing belief and faith in them to make their futures in the senior game.
In other Aston Villa news, the club have made the right call by not signing Aaron Hickey.