Premier League strugglers Aston Villa ‘will be delighted’ by how teenage midfielder Tim Iroegbunam has performed since joining Championship promotion-pushers Queens Park Rangers on loan, R’s boss Mick Beale tells West London Sport.
Given how the likes Ebere Eze, Rob Dickie, Ilias Chair and Chris Willock have gone from strength to strength at Loftus Road, the logic in sending 19-year-old Iroegbunam on loan to QPR for the season was certainly sound.
And the Birmingham-born starlet is making an excellent impression at the capital city club. He’s featured in each of QPR’s last nine league matches; a run of six wins and a draw catapulting Rangers into second place.
“I think they will be delighted with his progress,” says former Villa assistant Beale, who used his relationship with Steven Gerrard to excellent effect over the summer.
“We had a visit from (Villa) last week, as well as Man United to see Ethan (Laird). And, at the moment, it’s so far so good. Tim is really enjoying it. We’re enjoying having him and we can all see he is player with a big future in front of him.”
Aston Villa’s Tim Iroegbunam shining at Queens Park Rangers
Beale, who recently turned down a move to Wolves in favour of staying at QPR, is also unconcerned by suggestions that Aston Villa could look to re-call Iroegbunam following a disastrous start to the Premier League season.
Gerrard has now been replaced by former Arsenal, PSG and Sevilla boss Unai Emery.
“I don’t see why (Gerrard’s sacking) would change anything,” Beale adds. “Aston Villa loan the player to QPR, and the decision would have been made with Steven’s agreement. But it would have been a club decision.”
Iroegbunam, a classy and cultured central midfielder, joined Aston Villa from local rivals West Brom in 2021 after earning the Baggies’ Academy Player of the Season award. He made three top-flight appearances under Gerrard last term.
“I thought Tim was terrific,” Gerrard said following April’s 0-0 draw with Leicester City. “He played with calmness and maturity. He’s a top professional. He’s in the gym before training, he’s in the gym after.
“We think the world of him. He’s got a big future here.”
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