Jaden Philogene wows in surprise Aston Villa start against Bayern Munich
Dan Bardell was impressed by Jaden Philogene against Bayern Munich as he made a surprise first Aston Villa start in the Champions League.
The Villans secured a famous win against the Bundesliga giants on Wednesday 2 October thanks to a memorable Jhon Duran strike.
Before kick-off, supporters were left surprised to see summer signing Philogene start in Europe’s elite competition ahead of Leon Bailey.
The 22-year-old was excellent, leaving Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist wowed up against the likes of Alphonso Davies and Kingsley Coman.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “Initially I was surprised but then I thought that there must be a reason for this considering he hadn’t started a game for the club.
“I was impressed by his defensive diligence. I thought he handled the defensive side, of a game where Villa didn’t have much of the ball, really well. I think that bodes well for the future and for potential Champions League ties to come.
“I thought he was really good for his first start, I think he did his stock no damage with the way he played.
“He was running on empty by the end but coped with everything that was thrown at him. He showed a few bright moments going forward as well so I was really impressed with him.“
Jaden Philogene shines for Aston Villa v Bayern Munich
The winger was a well-received signing from Hull City just a year after leaving Villa Park in a move to the Championship.
Philogene hadn’t featured from the start for the Villans before the clash against Bayern Munich which resulted in surprise when he started at Villa Park.
By the end of the Champions League clash, the ex-Stoke City loanee made a huge impression on fans with a superb defensive showing.
The Englishman stuck to Davies like glue throughout the first half before Bailey came on to replace Jacob Ramsey.
It is safe to say that the 22-year-old has made a good account of himself to Unai Emery and can look forward to more starts in claret and blue in the coming weeks.
In other Aston Villa news, one ace has been backed to make his first start against Manchester United as a squad decision to be made.
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