Omari Kellyman proves he can end barren run of Aston Villa academy playmakers after recent recognition
Aston Villa Under-21s playmaker Omari Kellyman has been rewarded for his inspired run of form by being nominated for the Premier League 2 player of the month award – and further hinted he could end the barren run of playmakers to come out of Bodmoor Heath in recent years.
After a slow start to the season, the 17-year-old has burst into life over the last three games with a blitz of attacking contributions that has clarified the bags of untapped potential he possesses.
Kellyman found the back of the net in three consecutive games against Stoke City, Leeds United and Sunderland, as well as providing two assists in this period.
Aston Villa haven’t seen a playmaker in the ilk of Kellyman come out of the academy ranks to make an impression for the first team since the likes of Jack Grealish almost ten years ago – something that will be alarming those within the corridors of power at Villa Park.
The academy prospect is a tall and elegant footballer for somebody of his youth, and the way he carries the ball through tight spaces is an ability that few players possess at this level. Despite possibly needing to improve physically to match the rough-and-tumble nature of senior football, his close control of the ball and impressive vision will stand him in good stead.
His irresistible form will be a huge positive to the Young Lions’ promotion chances this season, which sees them fifth in the league table after 15 games. Despite sitting in the final playoff spot, they only remain above close rivals West Brom on goal difference, and this nip-and-tuck race is likely to go all the way down to the wire.
Alongside the likes of Rory Wilson and Kadan Young, Kellyman will be another name that Under 21s head coach, Tony Carss will be gushing over. The way the attacker has adapted to life in the academy this term has been like a duck taking to the water, and supporters will hope he can continue this purple vein of form over the coming weeks.
Hopefully, Villa’s barren run of playmakers rising out of the academy can be brought to an end, and the Northern Ireland youth international can continue his ascension into the first team at Villa Park in the future.
In other Aston Villa news, Villa have been tipped to accept a “big-money” offer for this player in the summer transfer window.