Aston Villa talent ‘could feature v Ispwich’ after what happened in Youth League
Aston Villa could utilise their Under-19s team to fill their squad as injuries continue to hamper Unai Emery’s side.
The Spanish head coach is set to be without three first-team centre-backs for the visit of Ipswich Town on Saturday (15 February).
This comes after Ezri Konsa was forced off against Tottenham last time out, joining Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings on the sidelines in B6.
This will leave Axel Disasi as the only senior, recognised central defender at Villa Park but Emery could seek to utilise an academy talent after the Youth League victory on Wednesday (12 February).
Leon Routh could feature for Aston Villa v Ipswich Town
The Villans are desperate for defensive options right now but this negative situation could be flipped to form a positive opportunity for an academy ace.
This could see Emery introduce Leon Routh into the first-team setup and he would be more than justified in doing so after his performance in Europe.
The 17-year-old started in Hungary against Puskas Akademia as the Young Lions came away with a 2-1 win and a place in the round of 16.
This was part in thanks to the defensive performance of the Englishman who was able to make five clearances and one interception while also winning two duels on the night [SofaScore].
Although his defensive work was positive, the Villa boss would have been more impressed by his ability on the ball.
Routh took 69 touches of the ball and was able to maintain an 87 per cent pass accuracy and also contributed with three successful long balls.
The ex-Luton Town youngster also completed one dribble, proving his bravery to get on the ball and look forward when given the chance.
Unai Emery could rely on Aston Villa youth v Ipswich Town
There is nothing short of a defensive injury crisis at Villa Park right now, which hasn’t helped an already shaky back line in B6.
In the last three fixtures, Boubacar Kamara has featured as a centre-back despite him being arguably the Villans’ best and most important midfielders.
If Emery makes the decision to prioritise the Frenchman and his qualities, Routh could be brought in and handed the opportunity to impress in the first team.
This would only be necessary until the likes of Torres or Mings return after injury issues and arguably could be less risky against a relegation-threatened Ipswich Town.