‘You talk about the Grealish’s’: Lee Hendrie raves about Aston Villa teen who is ‘the future’

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Lee Hendrie told Sky Sports Football (24/08/21 at 10:00 pm) that Carney Chukwuemeka is ‘the future’ of Aston Villa.

The 17-year-old started Villa’s 6-0 win against Barrow in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night and impressed his supporters.

Chukwuemeka has already made his senior debut for Villa when he came off the bench towards the back end of last season against Tottenham.

It was a near-perfect debut from the naturally gifted midfielder, as he hit the post following a long-range shot.

And now Hendrie, who also came through Villa’s ranks, raved about the talent in Chukwuemeka’s boots.

“I had a chat with George Boateng about this boy,” said Hendrie. “There has been a lot of hype in the Midlands about how good he is. What he can produce and what he can be.

“17 years of age, we have seen him bounce on the scene and just come in like he has been around for years.

“This boy is going to be the future. You talk about the Grealish’s of the world. This boy has got composure, silk, strong and I think they are looking more from him in that he adds goals to his game.

“To come on the stage and really set it alight and show the fans what you are all about. It shows that he is a big character at 17.”

Jack Grealish has just left Villa and his departure has left a void at the Midlands giants.

Villa have some serious talent coming through and a number of these young stars have the opportunity to grab the limelight that was once filled by Manchester City’s £100 million player.

Chukwuemeka is probably the one Villa fans will look towards because he is perceived to be the most highly-rated of them all.

His swashbuckling ways in midfield, that physical presence he has, even for a 17-year-old, and a natural drive to his game that sees him channelling his inner Paul Pogba when on the ball, is what fans love about him.

Chukwuemeka was an unused substitute last Saturday when Villa beat Newcastle 2-0, his fellow academy product, Jacob Ramsey, was Man of the Match, so he is proof that Dean Smith is handing these young stars the opportunity to shine on the big stage.