Steven Gerrard has claimed that Tim Iroegbunam is ‘ready’ for first-team action at Aston Villa, as he told Birmingham Live.
The 19-year-old is yet to play a single senior minute for Villa, but Gerrard confirmed that he is training ‘really well’ and also produced the goods in the two friendly games during the winter break.
Villa’s young guns are doing the business all over the shop, from Jacob Ramsey being the star of the show on the Villa Park stage or Cameron Archer showcasing his lethal finishing in Preston colours.
Not forgetting the likes of Keinan Davis and Jaden Philogene-Bidace also working their magic in England’s second-tier.
Back in B6, a hungry, aggressive and in-your-face midfielder in Iroegbunam is trying to earn those valuable minutes in the Premier League.
But Gerrard has confirmed why that might not come yet for Iroegbunam, who joined Villa from West Brom.
“Tim is extremely close,” said Gerrard. “He’s training really well and did well in the two friendlies we played behind closed doors.
“I know he’s ready but, the midfield area at the moment for us, I’m really pleased with it. It’s looking good, looking strong. Tim has to keep pushing and fighting.”
Douglas Luiz is the man filling Villa’s number six role, but in truth, he’s not exactly lighting himself up with glory.
If Iroegbunam does come in, then it would probably be in place of the Brazilian because he does have that presence Luiz doesn’t carry out on the pitch.
Either way, with Ramsey making waves, Carney Chukwuemeka knocking on the door, all of this is only boding well for those in the West Midlands.
In some cases, Villa’s youngsters might just save them millions because some of the answers Gerrard is looking for is might just be staring them in the face.
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