While Aston Villa may look towards the summer transfer window as their perfect opportunity to take the next step, Steven Gerrard must surely be keeping an eye on the abundance of young talent coming through at Bodymoor Heath.
One teenager who has been making waves both in his time with the club’s academy sides, and out on loan this season in senior football, is Brad Young.
The 19-year-old was a key performer in Villa’s successful FA Youth Cup run last season, and put in a particularly impressive display against Liverpool in the final when he netted.
Writing in his post-match player ratings for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece gave him a nine, saying: “The 18-year-old from Solihull ran Liverpool ragged all evening. He must have been watching Ollie Watkins this season as he pressed his centre-backs into submission.
“Young was like a man possessed and he got his goal after a run in behind off Lindley’s free-kick to win a penalty. Young dispatched in similar vein to Bruno Fernandes for his 21st goal of the season. Barry looked right in the mood as well as he danced past two before striking off the post as he was off balance. It was an all-round performance and he looked a threat with Villa letting Liverpool back into it late on. Young’s development is one to keep an eye on next season.”
This campaign saw him make the step-up to men’s football, with Young joining League Two side Carlisle United, and really trying to learn the tricks of the trade.
While he may not have scored in his 14 appearances before he made his return to Villa in the January window, he clearly impressed those who worked with him at the club.
Speaking last summer, former Carlisle manager, Chris Beech, raved about the kind of striker’s instincts that Young possesses.
He said: “He’s that dynamic, sharp type striker. He’s well supported at Aston Villa, has been an excellent, top youth goalscorer, and he’ll be playing against some great players (at that level), but young ones.
“I think he’s got a bit of devilment. I think he’s got great movement and an instinct for finishing. I like the way he’s twisting, turning, trying to get his shot off rather than lay it off.”
While Young may not be ready to drag Villa out of their current slump in the Premier League, he does seem to have the kind of energy and unpredictability that Gerrard would surely love to call upon up top.
Whether it’s the odd substitute appearance here or there and just giving him some much-needed exposure in the top-flight, Young could well be the next breakout star from Villa’s bright academy system.
Meanwhile, this Villa starlet is impressing on loan…