Dominic Revan was on the bench as Aston Villa beat Championship title chasers Middlesbrough 3-0 at the Riverside on Saturday.
Aston Villa have one of the most impressive and prosperous youth systems in English football right now – and Dean Smith could be the man to bring their next generation into the present day.
During his time at Brentford and Walsall respectively, Smith was responsible for the rise of Ollie Watkins, Neal Maupay, Chris Mepham, Romaine Sawyers and co. So Aston Villa’s array of impressive young talent should feel confident that they will be given a chance to shine.
And it seems that Smith has already taken a liking to talented centre-back Dominic Revan.
The 18-year-old was called up to the senior side for the first time on Saturday, sitting on the bench during Villa’s impressive 3-0 away win at Middlesbrough. And, reacting on Twitter, Revan has admitted that he is thankful to Aston Villa’s new manager having never been given a look in during Steve Bruce’s time at the helm.
Revan has often played at left-back for Villa’s U23 side of late and, given that this is something of a problem positon for Smith, don’t bet against the teenager making his Championship debut in the near future.
A ball-playing and versatile defender, the 2018 Premier League Cup winner looks a good fit for Smith’s tactical blueprint.
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