Aston Villa Academy: New kid on the block Kadan Young must be cherished by Unai Emery
Sixteen-year-old sensation Kadan Young made his first-team bow for Aston Villa during the Peter Whittingham Memorial Match on Wednesday (30 November) as he came on for the final 20 minutes of the 3-1 loss to Cardiff City.
Young has quickly become the shining star of Aston Villa’s academy this season, with the exciting teenager making two starts for the Under-21s this season – which is five years above his age group – and getting a run-out under Unai Emery while several senior players were away on World Cup duty.
The young starlet came on for Marvelous Nakamba after 67 minutes and was positioned on the right-hand side of Villa’s midfield four as Emery attempted to claw his way back into the game.
Although the Spaniard’s side looked off the pace throughout, the inclusion of Young was a bright note on an otherwise drab night – and suggests he could have a huge future at Villa Park.
The Englishman’s rapid rise this season is quite remarkable, considering he signed a scholarship in July 2022 and was only meant to play for the Under-18s side this year as he matures both on and off the pitch.
Emery and Villa’s hierarchy could have a very special talent on their hand here though, and offering him these glimpses of first-team football could be the best way to tie him down to a professional contract.
The winger is creative, skilful, and has an eye for goal – scoring once and providing two assists in his three games for the Under-18s this season – as he continues to climb the ranks at Bodymoor Heath at a rapid rate.
He also played a crucial role in the England Under-16s side that were victors at the Val Der Marne tournament last November – as The Young Lions edged a 3-2 win against France in the final.
The England Under-16 international was among several academy prospects who were promoted to train with the first team this week as the team ramped up their preparations for a return to Premier League action on Boxing Day against Liverpool.
Young was joined by Arjan Raikhy, Lamare Bogarde, Filip Marschall, Tommi O’Reilly, James Wright and Josh Feeney in being promoted to first-team training, but the 16-year-old could be the most promising prospect out of a highly competitive academy.
The creative midfielder must be cherished and nurtured alongside this crop of fantastic talents. There’s no need to get carried away, but the early signs suggest Villa could have a sensation on their hands.
In other Aston Villa news, Unai Emery’s side have a long ball issue that needs resolving.