Aston Villa’s under-21s were held to a 2-2 draw against Stoke City in Premier League 2 on Friday evening.
The visitors had some experienced heads in their starting XI, with 34-year-old former Villan Ciaran Clarke getting on the scoresheet.
Daniel Johnson and Wesley also featured for Stoke, who had a trio of ex-Villa players in their starting lineup.
After a slow start, Villa opened the scoring after Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba set up Kyrie Pierre to poke home.
After Clarke’s equaliser, the home side retook the lead through Aidan Borland before Jack Griffiths’ close-range finish completed the scoring.
Jimoh-Aloba once again caught the eye. The 17-year-old was on the scoresheet twice during last week’s 4-0 win over Middlesbrough and registered an assist last night.
The midfield “dynamo”, once on Chelsea’s radar (The Sun), has been a shining light in the under-21s. Six appearances have resulted in four goals and one assist.
Villa have an exceptional talent in their books.
For a player of such a tender age to be making an impact against seasoned pros shows he’s ready for the step up into men’s football.
The midfielder’s next move will be crucial. An EFL loan seems the most sensible route to go down. Cameron Archer and Tim Iroegbunam have benefitted massively from spells away from Villa Park.
Come the start of the 2024/25 season, looking to loan the midfielder out to a successful League One or Championship side could be astute.
Looking to ease him into men’s football is a must, with loan spells crucial in determining whether younger players are cut out for the professional game.
Villa need only look at Jacob Ramsey’s success in first-team proceedings since his breakthrough.
If the 17-year-old continues to shine during the remainder of the Premier League 2 season, there will be no end of Championship and League One clubs interested in his services.
After signing from West Brom, the midfielder could turn out to be another success story who has been poached from The Hawthorns’ youth system.
