Young Lions Watch: Young Aston Villa stars shine in preseason win
The young stars at Aston Villa featured heavily as Steven Gerrard’s side breezed to a strong 4-0 friendly win over Walsall in the preseason opener.
Cameron Archer was once again the young star of the show, grabbing Villa’s second goal alongside a string of his fellow youth stars on Saturday (9 July).
Seb Revan was a surprise inclusion, starting alongside Archer, Kaine Kesler, Finn Azaz and Viljami Sinsalo.
The second half saw 10 changes made by the Villans boss, with Ben Chrisene, Josh Feeney and Tommi O’Reilly all getting a chance to sign.
Villa’s Young Lions will now jet out to Australia to take on Leeds, Manchester United and Brisbane Roar.
More to come
While most of the defensive players had little to do on an afternoon against lower-league opposition, every player performed their duties well.
Archer and Chrisene shone the brightest, with both players causing havoc for the Walsall defence and overshadowing some of their senior colleagues.
Feeney was deeply unlucky not to get on the scoresheet in the second half as he spooned a shot over the bar from close range but was certainly in the right positions.
Kesler and Revan were also highly impressive, especially given the latter’s late inclusion in the starting lineup he wasn’t phased at all by the promotion.
Azaz and O’Reilly held the midfield down well whilst they were on the pitch, with both laying down a marker as they go in search of senior football.
It was a highly encouraging display from Villa’s young stars and will surely be leaving Gerrard with a selection headache ahead of their Australia tour.
In a game against a team from League Two, the manager saw as much as he could have hoped for from his young talents which will have given him plenty to think about on the flight down under.
In other Aston Villa news, the player ratings live and direct from the Walsall game saw some highs and lows.