Unai Emery, Aston Villa manager

Unai Emery to keep close eye on Mason Cotcher after what Aston Villa teenager did on Wednesday

Wed 6 November 2024 15:40, UK

Unai Emery will be keeping a close eye on Mason Cotcher as the Aston Villa Under-18s talent continues to impress at Bodymoor Heath.

The Spaniard has not been afraid of promoting some of Villa’s brightest youngsters to the first-team set-up, with Lamare Bogarde, Sil Swinkels and Kadan Young gaining valuable minutes so far.

While Villa’s attack is stacked to the brim with talent, Emery may have to make room for one more youngster after Cotcher’s performance on the European stage on Wednesday 6 November.

Already hitting the back of the net during a 3-1 win over Bologna in the UEFA Youth League, the 16-year-old centre-forward has added another two goals to his tally during a 6-2 win over Club Brugge.

Cotcher scored Villa’s fifth and sixth goals of the afternoon, showing everyone at Bodymoor Heath just how talented he is after arriving as a free transfer during the summer.

Unai Emery to promote Mason Cotcher after Aston Villa youth showings?

The 16-year-old now has six goals and four assists to his name in all competitions, and while he is still plying his trade at Under-18 level, it is already clear that he is ready for the next step.

Staff at Bodymoor Heath have been confident enough to involve him in the Under-21s set-up recently, featuring in short Premier League 2 cameos against Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City.