TJ Carroll: Aston Villa future examined as Premier League 2 exploits highlight potential
TJ Carroll has shone for Aston Villa‘s Under-21s this season.
Unai Emery remains fixated on having his side qualify for the Champions League, and because of that, he will have very little food for thought when it comes to the summer.
However, regardless of the outcome of the current campaign, the Villans could be in for a busy summer, both in terms of incomings and outgoings.
Of those who could leave Villa Park, several youth stars will be on the list as they look to find somewhere for regular senior football.
And with Carroll having impressed in the Premier League 2, he may be one of their priorities.
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How has TJ Carroll fared in the Premier League 2?
Bradley Burrowes has taken the spotlight for Aston Villa’s Under-21s this season, and rightfully so, given his goal return.
However, Carroll has played just as important a role on the other side of the pitch, without getting as much attention.
| Premier League 2 | Carroll |
| Games | 18 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Duels won | 60 |
| Fouls won | 19 |
The 19-year-old ranks among the top 5.6 per cent of centre-backs in the division for the number of aerial duels won, having won 68.8 per cent of them this season.
Only 1.7 per cent of defenders have blocked more shots than Carroll, who averages 1.26 per 90.
On top of that, the teen has demonstarted his composure on the ball throughout the campaign, which is a key attribute to have as a centre-back if you are to make it under Emery, with Carroll having shown plenty of similarities to Ezri Konsa already.
What’s next for Carroll at Aston Villa?
The teen will certainly have a chance to impress Emery in pre-season, and if he does, he may find himself more involved at Villa Park next season.
However, unless he is to play regularly, then it would be a decision that benefits no one.
The most likely outcome is for Carroll to depart the Villans on loan and get access to regular gametime, and given his performances for the Under-21s, he is unlikely to be short of suitors.
Several young stars have thrived in their first loan away from Aston Villa, and he may be the next one to do so.
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