Unai Emery has hidden Aston Villa gem in Bradley Burrowes – He must unleash him now

Unai Emery may be able to call upon Bradley Burrowes at Aston Villa this season.

The Villans preparations for their Premier League and Champions League campaigns shave been hampered by major uncertainty.

Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans have departed, while Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez all have question marks over their Villa Park futures.

18-year-old Burrowes is one of the most promising talents at Bodymoor Heath and played five times in pre-season.

The hidden academy gem could capitalise on the chaos, and force his way into the Spaniard's plans as a result.

It would make sense; his numbers in the academy last time around suggest it is just a matter of time before Emery has to unleash him.

Why Aston Villa have to give Bradley Burrowes a chance

Burrowes' numbers at youth level are very impressive, and could warrant a call-up to the senior side shortly.

He notched 12 goals and three assists in 15 matches in the Premier League 2 last season.

He averaged 3.25 shots and 1.39 chances created per 90 minutes for the Villans' Under-21 side, per Fotmob data.

Burrowes took 5.31 touches in the opposition box, showing just how keen he is to create dangerous opportunities for his side.

If he could replicate those numbers at first-team level, it would be a relief for the Villans and maybe help to limit the damage from the overhaul.

He can play as a striker, on the right-wing or as a right-back, so his versatility could be important too.

Will Emery be concerned about anything with Burrowes' game?

His attitude will not be an issue, Villa's academy manager Mark Harrison has already praised him for that.

Speaking after the player signed a new contract in March, he said: "He also has a fantastic mentality and character which is great credit to him and his family."

One issue that may arise, and make Emery cautious about handing him a chance is his defensive output.

He averaged just one defensive contribution per game, with just 0.66 tackles, 0.13 interceptions and 0.20 clearances in the last campaign.

The Englishman will have to improve those figures or show Emery that he can contribute without the ball in training, if he is to win his trust.

It would not be a surprise if he did manage that, as he seems to have the right attitude.

Soon enough, Emery may not even have a choice but to do it.