Unai Emery ‘has the next big thing’ at Aston Villa after Hansa Rostock defeat
Aston Villa’s 3-1 defeat to Hansa Rostock served up more negatives than positives.
Pre-season is predominantly used to build fitness ahead of the new campaign, though that is not to say that Aston Villa will not be slightly concerned with the way that it has started.
After a 1-0 defeat against Walsall, the Villans followed up that result with a 3-1 defeat against Hansa Rostock, with a performance that left a lot to be desired.
Several youth players were afforded a chance to showcase what they are all about, and while some failed the test, one in particular certainly passed it, and fans are already excited after what they saw.
George Hemmings shines in Aston Villa defeat
After such a poor display, fans were rightly displeased at what unfolded in front of them, with a lot of the frustration aimed at TJ Carroll for his second-half howler that allowed Rostock a route back into the game.
The defender was caught dithering on the ball in his own box, before being dispossessed, with the Germans taking full advantage.
However, George Hemmings was another player afforded the chance to shine, and fans were delighted with the glimpse they got of his quality.
Hemmings only joined the club in January of last year, and has already been labelled as the “next big thing”, while others were quick to emphasise the comparisons between him and a former Villa star.
Emery must take advantage of Villa youth this season
Villa will be involved in four competitions this season, showcasing the need for depth and rotation as the campaign goes on.
Priorities will emerge throughout that period, and it will be crucial that Emery has his best team available for those important encounters.
With players like Hemmings impressing in pre-season, it shows that Emery may be able to turn to them from time to time and start to embed them into the squad.
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