Why Aston Villa fans must remember Oscar Johnson's name after latest U-21 exploits
Aston Villa appear to have a star of the future in Oscar Johnson.
Unai Emery has been utilising a couple of Villa academy graduates so far this season.
George Hemmings is the most recent example of the pathway available to young Villains players, with the 19-year-old now a first-team regular.
One who could follow in Hemmings' footsteps over the coming years is England youth international, Johnson.
The 16-year-old winger, who primarily plays off the right, has already made a number of appearances at Under-21 level.
His latest came on Friday evening against Middlesbrough, and his performance will no doubt be reported back to Villa's first-team coaches.
What did Oscar Johnson do vs Middlesbrough?
Friday night saw Aston Villa's Under-21s welcome Middlesbrough to Bodymoor Heath for a Premier League 2 clash.
James Shan's side were looking for just their second PL2 win of the season, but were unable to do so as they played out a 2-2 draw with Boro.
Middlesbrough will feel they should've won the game as well, with Cruz Ibeh missing a penalty for the visitors with the scores level in the second half.
A frustrating night for Villa then, but on an individual level, it certainly wasn't for Johnson.
The teenager bagged a brace against the Teessiders, netting in the seventh minute to give Villa the lead, and in the 52nd to equalise at 2-2.
But just how good has he been in PL2 so far this season, and why do his numbers suggest he's a special talent indeed?
Where Johnson leads PL2 positional rivals in 2026-27
It's worth reiterating once again that Johnson is still only 16, having turned that age in June this year.
So to have made five career appearances at U-21 level for the Villains already is a clear indication of how talented he is.
This is further outlined when looking at his underlying numbers in PL2 this season compared to other right wingers in that league.
As per FotMob, no player in his position so far this season has a higher duels won rate than Johnson's 88.9 per cent.
His 1.36 goals per 90 average ranks him in the top 4.9 percentile, whilst he's also completed 100 per cent of his dribble attempts and aerial duels successfully.
Across his three PL2 appearances this term, Johnson has also yet to be dispossessed and has won 2.05 tackles per game.
He also puts 1.36 shots on target per game, which is comfortably above the PL2 average for right wingers.
Clearly then, Johnson's name is one that Villa fans must make a note of, as he seems destined to be around the first-team in the not-too-distant future.