Unai Emery makes Aston Villa decision on Jaden Philogene amid Stoke City development, BBC pundit reacts
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton is excited to see Jaden Philogene making a mark in the Aston Villa first team ahead of the new Premier League season.
Sunday Mirror journalist Darren Witcoop reported via Twitter on Wednesday (2 August) that Villa are no longer willing to sell or loan out the 21-year-old winger after a series of fine displays in the USA.
Stoke were reportedly keen on re-signing their former loanee but Daily Mail journalist Tom Collomosse wrote on Twitter on 1 August that Philogene’s style of play is reminiscent of Willian and Villa are set to keep him in the West Midlands at least until January.
Hutton is happy to see that Philogene has repaid the faith shown in him by manager Unai Emery, who looks as though he’ll be handing the youngster a spot in his plans for the coming campaign.
Speaking to Villa News, Hutton said: “This is one of the reasons why you have a pre-season, it’s to look at the squad and the younger players.
“He’s started all those games over in America and been a stand-out performer.
“This is the opportunity these young boys are waiting for – to be in the first team, to be in the mix.
“He’s been out on loans and had good seasons away from Aston Villa.
“Now he must feel it’s his time to show his worth.
“He probably wouldn’t have thought it at the start of pre-season, that he would be in Emery’s plans.
“But the way he’s progressed, he’s definitely in the mind of the manager moving forward. He’s been excellent.”
Philogene spent last season on loan at Cardiff, where he scored four goals in 37 Championship appearances.
He also scored against Leeds in the FA Cup in January.
In other Aston Villa news, a top European club has offered their “marquee” signing to the Villans.