Travis Patterson profile: Aston Villa academy starlet who was named one of ‘best talents’ in Premier League
Travis Patterson won’t be a familiar name to most Aston Villa fans, but the youngster is a promising prospect who has been highly regarded by the likes of Tottenham Hotspur in recent months.
Every year The Guardian picks the best talents at each Premier League club and names them in a prestigious shortlist, and Patterson made the cut last season, joining the likes of Aaron Ramsey (2019), Ben Chrisene (2020) and Ajani Bruchall (2021) on the list.
The 17-year-old is one of many frightening prospects at Bodymoor Heath, having played for Villa’s Under-21s at the age of 15 and already representing England at Under-17 level.
Patterson made his Under-18 breakthrough in the 2020/21 season and signed a scholarship deal with the club in July 2022.
Soon after pledging his colours to the club, Tottenham plotted a move for the Villa starlet, with the club’s talent spotters watching the 17-year-old with eagle eyes during the latter stages of the 2021/22 season. [Football Insisder]
Capable of playing in a deeper left-back role, or preferably on the left side of midfield, the creative talent was rewarded for his progress in October when he put pen to paper and signed his first professional deal with the club.
This season Patterson has subsequently solidified himself as an ever-present in the Aston Villa Under-18s midfield – making 11 appearances – and starting once for the Under-21s side.
Despite his solitary goal and two assists suggesting he hasn’t been at his best this season, his progression is pleasing academy manager Mark Harrison.
Upon signing his fresh contract, he said: “Travis has been with the club since Under-9 so it is great to see him rewarded with a professional contract, a recognition of not only his development so far but also the potential he has.
“He played last season for the Under-21s as a 16-year-old on several occasions, including the EFL Trophy competition, and also represented England at youth level. We really look forward to seeing how he develops over the next few years.”
It is apparent that Villa’s hierarchy rate Patterson very highly, but they will probably let him develop within the academy for another season or two before looking for potential loan suitors in the football league.
The club has proven capable of assimilating academy prospects such as Patterson into the first team on a regular basis, so the youngster will be hopeful he can one day break into the senior team.
In other Aston Villa news, ‘Little Phil Foden’ Tommi O’Reilly is the latest academy star to shine at Bodymoor Heath.