Three Aston Villa Under-21 players who shined in 3-2 win v Middlesbrough
Aston Villa Under-21s continued their ascension up the Premier League 2 Division 2 table with an entertaining 3-2 victory against Middlesbrough.
The Young Lions fell behind twice in the first half, but goals from Chison Afoka and 17-year-old Rory Wilson drew them level at the break.
After Kadan Young was brought down in the penalty area at the 55-minute mark, it was left to captain Seb Revan to seal a huge three points with a well-taken penalty.
Here Villa News look at three players who shined in the win that took Villa above Norwich City and into fourth in the table.
Rory Wilson
The former Rangers academy prospect continues to move from strength to strength under Tony Carss’ guidance in recent weeks. After netting a brace from the bench against Sunderland last time out, Wilson was given the opportunity to start from the first whistle – and he didn’t disappoint.
Whenever given an opportunity to shine, Wilson obliges with goals. His natural positioning and ability to sniff out chances look second to none among the Under-21s.
After falling behind early on, Wilson was the architect of the first goal, with his initial shot well saved to leave Chison Afoka with a tap-in. It took just three more minutes to get his own name on the scoresheet when he pounced from close-range to draw proceedings level and bring his tally to three goals and an assist in the last two games.
Seb Revan
It is not just the cool nature of Revan’s penalty that was impressive but more so his leadership skills throughout the course of the 90 minutes. The left-back has quickly become an integral cog to the Under-21s’ rich vein of form and, after taking up the captain’s armband, can take a huge amount of credit for Villa’s run of four wins in their last five games.
In what was a rinse and repeat of the 6-4 victory Southampton match, Revan was on hand to cooly slot home a penalty won by Young.
The 19-year-old will be a little disappointed by the six goals shipped in the last two games and will look to put this right against the Saints next time out (Friday, 17 March).
Kadan Young
The Aston Villa youngster continues to bang down the door for more first-team exposure with his performances for the youth team, and Monday night (6 March) was no exception.
The 17-year-old winger looked bright and dangerous in transition throughout the game, with his pace a real threat to any side in the division.
When carrying the ball at full tilt, Young is extremely hard to bring to a halt, as proven by the two penalties he has earned in the last two games. The England Under-16 international has now recorded two goals and two assists in eight appearances for the Under-21s this season and is certainly one to watch going forward.
In other Aston Villa news, the future of this loanee hangs in the balance as contract talks await.