Aston Villa have a new hero as 20-year-old Lamare Bogarde starred against Athletic Bilbao.
Unai Emery will be satisfied with his side’s performance at the Bescot Stadium on Wednesday evening, as Villa beat Athletic Bilbao 3-2.
The game was won late by Cameron Archer, who added to the earlier goals from Jacob Ramsey and Jaden Philogene to settle the scoreline.
It was a game to celebrate after the dull performances that were on show in the United States, with just one friendly remaining before the 2024/25 campaign gets underway.
The battle against Athletic gave the manager the chance to assess his squad, with a decision to be made over selection ahead of the opening day against West Ham.
One player who could derail Emery’s plans is 20-year-old defender Lamare Bogarde, who was exemplary at the back against the Spanish side.
- READ MORE: Aston Villa player ratings v Athletic Bilbao, two players get 8/10 as Morgan Rogers stars in victory
Aston Villa fans praise Lamare Bogarde after performance against Athletic Bilbao
Following his impressive performance against Club America last time out in pre-season, it was encouraging to see the manager start Bogarde once more.
The centre-back paired Pau Torres in the first half and looked as though he’d been partnering the Spaniard for years, seeing him earn rave reviews from supporters.
Taking to X to react to the Dutchman’s display, Villa fans made their feelings about the defender clear.
One supporter said, “Bogarde looks a baller,” which was an opinion shared by many, as another game-watching fan agreed with, “What a little diamond we have in Bogarde.”
Another Villa lover said, “Impressed with Lamare Bogarde this evening,” which was a statement echoed by others, “Lamare Bogarde is so good,” and “Bogarde looks a fine player for Villa.”
After spending the majority of the past year at Bristol Rovers, many supporters expressed their desire to see the centre-back stay at Villa Park for the season ahead.
“Bogarde is 100% our CB back up this season.”
Commenting on Villa’s overall display, one fan said, “Much more like it tonight. Bogarde looks so comfortable, does he stay around this season?”
Emery would be wise to keep Bogarde at Villa
After seeing how the 20-year-old performed against Club America, there were glimpses of what he could offer however, his display against Athletic made his claim to remain in Emery’s plans more stable.
Fans were right to shower the youngster with praise, as he showed incredible composure at all times, whether that be defensively or when looking to play out from the back.
- READ MORE: Rarely-seen Aston Villa gem who ‘oozed class’ v Club America could change Unai Emery transfer plan
It’s rare to see younger players come into the first team with such confidence, as Bogarde clearly looked to make a statement to the manager so close to the start of the season.
Emery was forced to call on his centre-back depth frequently throughout the 2023/24 campaign, which reinforces why the Spaniard must keep hold of Bogarde this summer.
