Cameron Archer left Aston Villa this summer and he will make his first appearance at Villa Park this week since his move to Sheffield United.
This season has been great for Aston Villa and there has been plenty of positives to take as they sit third in the Premier League.
Over the summer, Unai Emery showed a ruthless side and wasn’t worried about letting players leave. It was clear that youngsters like Jaden Philogene weren’t in his plans.
One move that left many Villa fans confused was young striker, Cameron Archer and his move away to Sheffield United.
Many fans thought that this would point towards another striker coming in to provide competition for Ollie Watkins. This didn’t happen in the end and the Englishman was left as the only senior striker at the club.
There were many fans who had hoped to see Archer lining up for Villa this season but that wasn’t to be, unfortunately. With that being said, let’s take a look at how he has done in his time with the Blades this season.
How has Cameron Archer done this season?
In August, Archer signed for Sheffield United in a deal the club referred to as a “considerable” feed, which is reported to be £18m.
It couldn’t have started much better for the 21-year old in the Premier League following a goal on his debut vs Everton. He also saw his shot come off the post and in off Jordan Pickford, his contribution helped secure their first point of the season.
His second goal came against Villa’s Midlands rivals, Wolverhampton Wanderers as he scored a beautiful goal from range.
These have been his only goal involvements in 13 starts for the club. It must be said that it has been a very difficult season for the newly promoted side.
Looking at his Fbref, it is safe to say that in an attacking sense, his performances have been struggling. With less than the five percentile in non-penalty xG, shots and assists, he has had a tough time of things, to say the least.
What had Paul Heckingbottom said?
Earlier on in the season, before his sacking, Paul Heckingbottom had praised his new striker for his performances.
Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel, the manager said: “Cameron’s been leading the line now after not having a big pre-season, very very well,” he said last week. I’ve been really pleased with how he’s approached what we’re asking him to do.”
Due to Archer featuring in the Under 21s European Championships over the summer, he missed out on pre-season. This may have taken its toll on his form so far this season.
It is safe to say that Villa fans can look forward to seeing Archer at Villa Park once again. After this week he may potentially be resigned and be back in Claret and Blue.
