Dean Smith is set to hand academy product Kaine Kesler a chance to stake his claim to a first-team role at Aston Villa next season, according to Birmingham Live.
Kesler has been working endlessly at Bodymoor Heath trying to better himself over the past year. And the power players at the Birmingham side have certainly noticed his efforts.
That’s why they decided the 18-year-old deserved to be the first his age to ever be awarded a five-year contract at the club. Now, Smith wants to see him step up to the senior level.
Under 23s head coach Mark Delaney was mightily impressed by Kesler last season, and handed the Aston Villa gem the captain’s armband mid-way through the junior campaign.
Kesler featured 16 times in the Premier League 2 last season and shone from right-back. He ended the year with four goals and an assist to his name, and helped to three clean sheets.
The full-back was also called up to England’s U19s in October, just eight months after his domestic U23s debut. And his rise continued when given a surprise senior debut in January.
Smith had to field Kesler and some of his junior teammates against Liverpool in the FA Cup after Aston Villa suffered an outbreak of Covid-19, as noted by The Guardian at the time.
Kesler coped well marking Sadio Mane on his senior debut. But Smith would only name the teenager among his substitutes again four times, the last coming in March.
Now, Smith will hand Kesler his big break at Aston Villa. The Villans boss wants to offer the homegrown talent a chance to prove he deserves a place in the first-team.
Smith to add blistering pace to Aston Villa squad with Kesler
Smith adding Kesler to his Aston Villa squad will see the Villans boss add blistering pace to his ranks. While unproven at the senior level, he has torn the flanks apart in youth football.
The Birmingham-born youngster has also been one of the true standout players in his side’s academy of late. So, it is no wonder Smith rates him highly, per The Athletic, and is now set to give Kesler his chance to establish a real footing in the Aston Villa first-team.
But Smith may have his work cut out bringing the untested Kesler up to speed in the Aston Villa squad. It is a challenge the defender is yet to face, so could benefit from a loan spell.
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