Jamaldeen Jimoh boosts Aston Villa chances after Blackpool showing
Jamaldeen Jimoh has only boosted his chances of breaking through to the Aston Villa first team with a goal against Blackpool on Tuesday.
The Young Lions won on penalties at Bloomfield Road on 17 December to progress to the round of 16 stage of the Vertu Trophy, two months after also beating Bolton Wanderers on penalties.
Steve Bruce’s side represented tough opposition and it was the Villans who took the victory, knocking the Tangerines out of the competition in the process.
There were some positive showings from Josep Gombau’s youngsters but Jimoh is one who stood out against the League One side.
Jamaldeen Jimoh struggled for Aston Villa v Blackpool
The 18-year-old started the clash in the heart of midfield for the away side but was eventually able to impose himself up against experienced opposition.
The ex-West Brom starlet scored the equaliser on the night which ultimately sent the game to a penalty shootout where Villa secured a win after 38 spot kicks.
During the game, the youngster clocked up 49 touches of the ball throughout his 90 minutes on the pitch and registered 25 passes with an 89 per cent accuracy [SofaScore].
With one of those being a key pass while also registering a 100 per cent long pass-success rate, there were positives to take from a creativity standpoint from the teenager.
This saw the Englishman complete a dribble against the third-tier side and had one effort on target with a 100 per cent conversion rate.
The young midfielder was able to contribute defensively somewhat as he won six duels and chipped in with two tackles and one interception on the night.
On a night when the Villans were dumped out of the Vertu Trophy, the former West Brom academy prospect may have done himself a favour with Unai Emery.
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