The teenage centre-back outshone the 32-year-old free agent as Aston Villa’s Under-23s defeated Wolves on Monday.
Steve Bruce may be correct in believing that Aston Villa’s ideal defensive back-up was plying his trade for the club’s Under-23s in Monday’s 2-1 win against Wolves.
Yet, rather than 32-year-old free agent Christopher Samba, training with the club with the view to earning a permanent deal, perhaps the Villa boss should take a closer look at the highly-rated youngster who replaced the former Blackburn bruiser at centre-back on the hour mark.
According to the Birmingham Mail, 27 scouts were in attendance to watch Jacob Bedeau in one of his six league starts for Bury earlier in the season, with Manchesters United and City, not to mention Liverpool, all viewing the teenager as a potential star for the future before Villa swooped to complete a £1 million January deal.
And while his age suggests that he has plenty to learn before making the step up to the Aston Villa first-team, Bury obviously felt he was ready. And, judging by his excellent performance on Monday, they may have had a point.
Bedeau started the game in an unfamiliar left-back role and, while not looking totally at home, impressed with his ability and composure in possession and natural athleticism on the flank. It was in the centre however, after Samba’s 60th minute exit, where the youngster really demonstrated his potential.
Quick, decisive and excellent one-on-one, Bedeau betrayed the makings of a centre-half complete with the versatility that could hasten his progression into the senior set-up.
Perhaps, rather than handing a lifeline to a 32-year-old stop-gap, Villa should plan for the future by giving Bedeau the chance to shine.
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