Tim Irogebunam and Jaden Philogene have been included in Aston Villa’s squad number list for the upcoming season.
Both spent last season out on loan in the Championship at QPR and Cardiff City, both returning with good reviews from their clubs.
47 and 33 are the numbers of choice, keeping the same digits as they did while away last year.
The question remains what will they offer Unai Emery’s squad?
What does Tim Iroegbunam offer?
A defensive midfielder by trade, Iroegbunam is so much more than that.
Often starting at the base of midfield, the former West Bromwich Albion prospect is more than comfortable carrying the ball forward into attacking areas.
He made 32 appearances for the R’s last season, and especially under Michael Beale, he flourished.
He is a similar vein of player as Boubacar Kamara. Skilful on the ball and is deceptively fast with long strides moving forward with the ball.
This similarity makes him a useful asset for Emery, especially in the early rounds of cup competitions and the Europa Conference League.
What does Jaden Philogene offer?
Silky, tricky and quick. What a preseason Philogene had.
He took himself from a guaranteed loan out to being one of the most spoke about players over the summer.
He won’t play a whole host of games with the signing of Moussa Diaby and with Leon Bailey sticking around.
But he provides a youthful point of difference and comes as an unknown quantity to opposition managers and players when he does get a chance.
He will also get fans on their feet, with everyone sitting up and hoping for some magic.
There is something about youth players coming through at Villa Park and these two are the latest off a top quality production line.
