On this day in 2021, Aston Villa fell to a 4-1 defeat against Liverpool. The catch is that a team of youngsters was fielded against the Premier League champions. Where are they now?
Back in 2020 and 2021, COVID-19 was still an issue which was effecting football and wider society. This saw the Aston Villa squad have a breakout in infection, meaning the first team would miss an FA Cup clash.
At the time, Dean Smith’s side was forced to isolate and as a result, Mark Delaney stepped up with his youth side to play Liverpool. It was one of the most memorable games of that season which is funny given the lack of known names.
The young Lions took a shock lead through Louie Barry which is a moment that lives long in the memory of Villa fans. The away side side scored four through Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Georgino Wijnaldum.
It has been three years since this famous game, let’s take a look at where the Villa players from that day are now.
Aston Villa 1-4 Liverpool: Where are they now?
On the day, Villa lined up in a 4-5-1 formation which features many names which many fans may recognise.
In goal was Akos Onodi who performed well on the night at Villa Park as he made eight saves despite conceding four. He now finds himself in Cyprus with Akritas Chlorakas, safe to say he hasn’t kicked on in his career.
The back four is made up of players who are no longer with the club having made moves in recent years. Callum Rowe started at left back and he is now a free agent. Mungo Bridge started at centre half and he too is now without a club. Right back was Jake Walker who is also without a club having last been with Newtown AFC. Dominic Revan was the second centre back and he now plays for Barnet in the National League.
The midfield five features some more recognisable names. Starting with Mamadou Sylla, he left Villa in August 2021 and now plays for Almeria. Left wing-back was Ben Chrisene who is still with the Villans, he joined Blackburn Rovers on loan this month. Kaine Kesler-Hayden started too and is also out on loan from Villa, he is with Plymouth Argyle.
The other two central midfielders were Arjan Raikhy and Lamare Bogarde. The prior has since left Villa after two loan spells away as he joined Leicester City On the flip side, Bogarde is back at Villa having been recalled from a loan spell with Bristol Rovers.
Up top was the Villa goalscorer, Barry, who became Villa’s second youngest ever goalscorer at 17 years 06 months 18 days. His goal was certainly a moment to remember. He is still with Villa and is out on loan with Stockport County where he is taking League Two by storm.
