Kevin Phillips has been full of praise for Carney Chukwuemeka and believes he has a bright future at Aston Villa.
The 17-year-old has made 19 appearances for the under-18s and now finds himself playing regularly for the under-23s (12 appearances), so he is knocking on the door of the first-team.
Villa’s CEO Christian Purslow described Chukwuemeka as the “probably the best 16-year-old in England right now” before he turned 17 in October, so he is rated highly at the club. There is talk of the midfielder being loaned out to get competitive football, but Phillips isn’t sure whether that’s the right move.
The ex-Villa striker drew a comparison with Wayne Rooney and Jude Bellingham in a conversation with Football Insider, saying:
It is a really tough one. I like to see young players go out on loan, but at 17 you are still learning your trade.
I know Jude Bellingham has handled it really well at Birmingham, but it really depends on the mentality of the player. Has he fully developed yet? Does he have the physicality?
If you are shining for the 23s every week though you need a loan move to get better. That is the only way to get better.
Dean Smith will ultimately make that call but if they feel he is ready for the Championship or even the Premier League, remember how well Wayne Rooney did at Everton, then a loan move may be right.
READ ASTON VILLA VERDICT
Chukwuemeka has made seven appearances in Premier League 2 and two in the EFL Trophy this season, with two assists (Transfermarkt). If Villa don’t feel he can continue progressing in the reserves, then he’ll need to be temporarily moved on.
Phillips is stressing caution as loan moves aren’t always the remedy for some players, but time will tell what Smith decides. The Villa boss hasn’t yet included the 17-year-old in a competitive matchday squad, but Chukwuemeka can’t be far off.
In other news, three Aston Villa players have taken a significant step towards returning to the first team.
