Aston Villa Academy: Rory Wilson set to explode at Villa Park as Steven Gerrard hands Unai Emery gift
Aston Villa have been in Dubai this week as they prepare for the return of the Premier League, but it is back home in England where the headlines have been made.
The under-18s were in scintillating form as they entertained Brentford in the FA Youth Cup, smashing them 5-0 to cruise into the fourth round untouched.
One name that stood out was Rory Wilson, who managed to grab the match ball with three sublime finishes as he continues to make a name for himself.
Steven Gerrard pushed to complete the signing of the former Rangers youth star, and it is clear to see why the more he takes to the field for the academy.
Described as one of the best young strikers in Europe, Wilson once smashed home 49 goals in a single season for Rangers and had the likes of Manchester United interested [Daily Record].
That form has clearly travelled with him to Villa Park, and he graced the turf perfectly on Friday evening.
Looking at the first goal more in focus, how on earth he managed to chip the Brentford goalkeeper from this tight angle is beyond us and just a snippet of the class he possesses.
If the first was inspired, the second was a simple poaching finish and the sort of goals that big names make their careers off, being in that right position always is critical to being a top-notch number nine.
The third to seal the hat-trick was another close-range finish after peeling off for the cut back in the perfect position to sweep the ball home for the goal.
No doubt Unai Emery will be watching on at events back home while in Dubai rubbing his hands together at the gift handed to him by the work of Gerrard.
With Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins untouchable as the main two at Villa Park, Cameron Archer has found things difficult to get into the first-team picture.
If Wilson continues at this rate too, things may get even harder for Archer and Emery, with another star being born in the west midlands, long may that continue.
In other Aston Villa news, the future of the club’s academy could depend on the management of Cameron Archer.