Aston Villa have a number of academy graduates to play first-team football this season and John Townley of Birmingham Live believes Ben Chrisene could be next hot prospect to make the step up.
Carney Chukwuemeka, Aaron Ramsey, Tim Iroegbunam and Hayden Lindley are four teenagers that have been given senior opportunities this season. Jacob Ramsey, Cameron Archer, Jaden Philogene-Bidace and Caleb Chukwuemeka are four 20-year-old players to get minutes too.
Chrisene’s pathway to the first-team had a number of obstacles with Ashley Young, Matt Targett and Lucas Digne ahead in the left-back pecking order, but Townley notes that Targett’s exit has ‘opened up’ an opportunity.
He wrote: ‘A first-team pathway has now opened up for the young defender after Targett left the club following the arrival of Lucas Digne from Everton.’
Steven Gerrard said as much too, praising Chrisene’s development at youth level and promising him eventual first-team football to become a Premier League player, so the 18-year-old looks to have a bright future.
Chrisene, who has represented England at youth level, has made 18 appearances for Villa’s U18s, 15 appearances for the U23s and one appearance at senior level. He might get chances to impress before the season is up, as Gerrard is clearly happy with his level of performances in the reserves.
