Aston Villa have high hopes for academy prospect Kaine Kesler upon his return from a loan transfer at Swindon Town, where he is making a big impression, according to The Athletic.
Kesler joined the League Two outfit on a season-long deal this August to help Ben Garner’s men chase promotion. He has proven to be a fixture of the Robins’ defence since arriving at The County Ground, too, with eight appearances from 11 possible fixtures so far.
Swindon have only lost twice with Kesler on the pitch, where the Aston Villa right-back has impressed club staff. Robins coaches admire the 18-year-old’s attitude and ability to adapt to various roles, by juggling his attacking and defensive duties.
Kesler is proving himself to be in the mould of the ideal modern-day full-back since leaving Aston Villa for Swindon on loan in the summer transfer window. His prior efforts with the Villans academy also stood out, leading to an improved contract in July running to 2026.
Aston Villa have high hopes for Kesler building on his consistent performances at Swindon once the teenager returns to Birmingham. The club have genuine excitement around his development, and feel he will push Matty Cash for the starting role in coming seasons.
Kesler’s year – which included captaining Aston Villa’s U23s to winning the FA Youth Cup in May – caps a remarkable turnaround for the England U20 international. Villa had weighed up releasing the youngster – who turns 19 on October 23 – when he was 14.
Staff raised doubt over Kesler’s potential, but Villa decided to bide their time and monitor his progress more. A decision that could now pay dividends after his strong Swindon spell.
Can Kesler oust Cash as Aston Villa’s starting right-back?
Kesler faces a tall ordeal ousting Cash for Aston Villa’s right-back role, but is showing plenty of promise at Swindon. He has played the full 90-minutes in seven of his eight League Two appearances so far. He also only missed their win at Forest Green while on England duty.
There remains some wrinkles that need ironing out, like getting sent off against Carlisle United. Referee Carl Brook showed Kesler a second yellow card in the 97th-minute of the Robin’s 2-1 defeat in August. But there were promising moments before hand.
Kesler has continually got into dangerous attacking positions with Swindon, with pace to burn at both ends. Pushing forward to offer support with overlapping runs, or dart back to clear any danger. Aspects Dean Smith will no doubt be keeping close tabs on this season.
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