During Villa’s tour of Australia, many players have been given the chance to impress Stevie G during his first preseason managing Villa.
The three that have arguably jumped highest at the given opportunity are academy products Cameron Archer, Kaine Kesler-Hayden and Tim Iroegbunam. Impressing in the given minutes and even all linking together to score the winner against Brisbane.
Given this, I thought it would be best to look at how much impact the three could have in the Aston Villa first team squad this coming season.
Cameron Archer
What else is left to say at this point? The boy is a born goal scorer, clinical and seems as if he’s going to score every time he gets the chance.
After a breakout season in the Championship at Preston North End last year, Archer is probably 3rd choice striker at Villa behind Ings and Watkins.
For me, he stays, features whenever the other two are injured or suspended and if he can continue his current form will get plenty of minutes.
Kaine Kesler-Hayden
Villas future Right Back, recently signed a new long term deal and looks set to take over the attacking full back role whenever Matty Cash is unavailable.
With Guilbert returning from his loan back to France, it will be very interesting to see if Gerrard thinks KKH, is ready for the premier league after his loan spells at Mk Dons and Swindon last year.
Personally I think, one more season out on loan maybe in the championship would be amazing for Kesler-Hayden while Villa have Guilbert as a back up RB.
Tim Iroegbunam
Finally, Big Tim, the man who according to recent interviews has impressed his manager, “ I’m Delighted with Tim. He’s really given me something to think about, whether to keep him in or not.” Said Gerrard in a recent interview.
Really looks ready to be a squad player this year in my opinion, especially with Carney on the periphery due to his contract status.
With David Luiz’s contract also set to become and issue with it expiring at the end of next year, I really believe we could see Tim feature highly and get some big game time in cup competitions and maybe some Premier league minutes.
Boubacar Kamara coming in could provide a great role model for Tim and someone he could learn what it takes to play that defensive midfield role.