Jaden Philogene done at Aston Villa as 22% statistic bares all to Unai Emery
Jaden Philogene has spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Cardiff City – and the Aston Villa loanee has missed his big chance to make an impression.
The winger has netted just five times for the Bluebirds, with just two goals to his name in 2023. It’s nowhere near good enough. For Villa fans, it’s important to remember that any younger player vying to get into Unai Emery’s starting XI has to be levels above to Championship.
It’s simply unrealistic to think the winger will be able to make an impression after amassing a measly goal return for one of the second-tier’s worst sides.
At 21, he has to start delivering and this could well have been his last chance to impress the Villa boss. After his disappointing campaign, Emery will almost certainly have discounted the winger from his immediate plans.
Too much noise surrounds ‘youngsters’ these days.
They have a limited chance to make an impression. When an opportunity arises, they cannot pass it up. Looking at his underlying statistics, it’s clear where things have gone wrong for Philogene.
Modern wingers need to have a goal threat. It’s so much more than just hitting the by-line and whipping the ball in. The 21-year-old does seem to get into decent goalscoring positions, but it’s his execution that lets him down. During the 2022/23 season, he has amassed 2.37 shots per game. This is good going, right? (Stats from Wyscout)
However, his 22 per cent accuracy has been a crippling blow to his chances of catching the eye at Villa. A higher percentage of shots on target could have ended up in more goals.
It’s a similar story when it comes to his crossing ability. On average, Philogene has managed two crosses per match, which isn’t enough. Furthermore, his quality was lacking with just 31 per cent accuracy. It’s no surprise he only registered two assists during his time in South Wales.
His loan spell was a disappointment and it would be a massive surprise to see the winger feature in a claret and blue shirt next season.
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