Aston Villa youngsters Brian Madjo and George Hemmings provided encouragement despite Unai Emery’s side suffering a 4-2 pre-season defeat against Real Sociedad.
Both teenagers scored at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium as Villa fielded a side containing several academy players and fringe members of Emery’s squad.
Real Sociedad ultimately controlled much of the second half. However, the performances of Madjo, Hemmings and Modou Cisse offered an early look at players who could become part of Villa’s long-term plans.
Aston Villa youngsters take their opportunity
Hemmings opened the scoring after Villa made a positive start against the La Liga side. Carlos Soler equalised before Orri Oskarsson placed Sociedad ahead early in the second half.
Madjo responded three minutes later. Emi Buendia helped create the opening before the 17-year-old converted from close range to make it 2-2.
The striker also scored twice during Villa’s 5-0 victory over Walsall last week. His strength caused problems for Sociedad, while his movement inside the penalty area provided another indication of his goalscoring instincts.
The BBC’s match analysis noted that Madjo has already drawn comparisons with former Chelsea and Everton striker Romelu Lukaku. At 6ft 4in, he possesses the physical profile to compete with senior defenders.
There were still moments when Emery demanded more from the younger players. The Villa head coach repeatedly instructed Madjo and Hemmings to move into wider positions during the first half.
That tactical work will continue throughout pre-season. Both players possess natural ability, but Emery will expect them to understand the structure around their individual roles.
Brian Madjo registration remains unresolved
Madjo cannot currently play in competitive fixtures because Villa are still waiting for the outcome of their Court of Arbitration for Sport appeal.
The forward joined from Metz in January for around £10million. FIFA refused to approve his registration under rules restricting international transfers involving players under the age of 18.
Villa argue that Madjo should receive an exemption because he was born in London. A ruling in their favour would allow Emery to consider the striker for competitive first-team football before he turns 18 in January.
His pre-season performances have increased interest in the decision. Madjo has scored three goals across his appearances against Walsall and Real Sociedad.
Villa are also considering an experienced addition up front. ReadAstonVilla reported on Tuesday that Nicolas Jackson remains under consideration, with Ollie Watkins still away following England’s World Cup campaign and Tammy Abraham returning from a shoulder injury.
Madjo would not remove the need for senior depth. He could instead give Emery another option to develop gradually once his registration becomes valid.
Emery continues to build a new Villa squad
Villa were without several established players against Sociedad. Watkins, John McGinn, Ezri Konsa, Emiliano Martinez, Victor Lindelof and record signing Johan Manzambi did not feature.
Alejandro Garnacho was also absent after completing his loan move from Chelsea. The winger is expected to travel as Villa continue their preparations in Asia.
ReadAstonVilla reported that Garnacho, McGinn and Evann Guessand had returned to training before the Sociedad fixture, although Emery opted against using them.
George Hemmings and Luka Lynch could receive further opportunities while the senior group rebuilds its fitness. Cisse should also benefit from working directly with Emery after spending last season on loan at LASK.
Gorka Carrera and Inaki Ruperez completed Sociedad’s victory after Madjo’s equaliser. AS reported that the visitors controlled the closing stages and punished Villa after Emery made several changes.
The defeat will frustrate Emery, particularly after Villa conceded four times. Pre-season results remain secondary to fitness and tactical development, though.
Villa’s younger players gave their manager several positives before the squad travels to Indonesia. Madjo provided the clearest reminder that the club’s future could already be taking shape.
