View: Reunion with former Aston Villa coach Aaron Danks behind Cameron Archer loan move to Middlesbrough
Eyebrows were raised when Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer moved on loan to Middlesbrough earlier this month, with Chuba Akpom an obvious roadblock towards weekly game time for the youngster.
Archer, 21, has been one of the brightest prospects to graduate from the Villa academy in recent years and was given the green light to ply his trade in the Championship after failing to start a Premier League game all season long.
The striker has been unfortunate to fall beneath Ollie Wakins and Danny Ings in the pecking order at Villa Park this term after impressing on loan with Preston in the second half of last season.
During his productive loan spell, the England Under-21 international netted seven goals in 20 appearances and further enhanced his burgeoning reputation in the football league.
However, a move to Michael Carrick’s Boro side doesn’t seem to tick all the boxes, as he will face an uphill challenge to supplant star striker Akpom from his position in attack and, therefore, could be condemned to more time on the bench.
This clearly wouldn’t have been part of the Villa hierarchy’s plans and considering he has only been used as a substitute in his first two games in Riverside since his move, it remains a worry.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, The Athletic’s Dan Bardell admitted he was left scratching his head at Archer’s destination but was adamant that the sharp-shooter could prove a hit if given the opportunity to start regularly.
He said: “It kind of felt like Middlesbrough were protecting themselves in case Chuba Akpom left the club this month, so I think he has mainly been used as a sub so far under Carrick.
“So I’m not sure how often he will play, but obviously, he will play more often than he was at Villa.
“Villa couldn’t afford for him to stay around and stagnate with them. He went to Preston last season and had a great second half of the season. In the summer, he played for the England Under-21s, and he scored goals.
“He’s scored goals at every level he has played at pretty much, but the only level he hasn’t been given a chance at is the Premier League.“
“I’m slightly worried he’s not going to play much at Middlesbrough, and it’s going to be difficult for him, but hopefully, he’ll force his way into the team.“
Although Archer is yet to start for Carrick’s side since his loan move, he will be greeted by a familiar face at the Riverside Stadium in former first-team coach Aaron Danks.
The 39-year-old will be remembered by Villa fans for his short but sweet stint as caretaker manager after the sacking of Steven Gerrard, in which he masterminded a stunning 4-0 win over Brentford.
And Bardell believes this reunion with Danks – who is renowned as a forward’s coach – could have played a role in the choice of club for Villa’s academy star.
He said: “Aaron Danks has joined Middlesbrough, as well, and he’s more of a striker coach and will have worked with Archer before, so maybe that was something to do with Villa’s thinking as to why he went there.
“If he gets games, he will score goals because that’s what he does, really. He’s a clinical finisher.“
In other Aston Villa news, James Maddison is one to watch for the Villans in their next game.