In a recent interview with Football Insider, former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has tipped Aston Villa starlet Jaden Philogene-Bidace to make his first-team debut soon after the youngster penned a new contract at Villa Park earlier this month. Agbonlahor said, “He’s an exciting one.
“Dean Smith won’t just bring anyone onto the bench.
“He’ll choose the best of the bunch, he’ll pick the best player in the youth team and Under-23s to make the bench because he might have to bring him on.
“I’ve not seen much of him but I’ve heard that he’s a big talent so hopefully we can see more of him in the Under-23s and he can keep making the bench and get that experience in the first-team.”
When quizzed about whether Philogene-Bidace will make his first-team debut this season, Agbonlahor added,
“Yes, you never know.
“I know manager’s don’t like to give youngsters games for the sake of it, you have to earn it.
“If Dean Smith sees enough in him in the Under-23s and the first team training sessions then I’m sure he’ll give him his debut.
“It might be a game where you’re winning 2-0 or 3-0 and you can afford to make a few changes and give some younger players a chance to have a taste of what the Premier League is all about.”
Philogene-Bidace’s Recent Rise At The West Midlands
Philogene-Bidace has come through the youth ranks of Aston Villa but is still waiting to make his senior debut for the club. He has caught the eye with his performances for Mark Delaney’s Under-23 side this season.
The English winger has found the back of the net on five occasions and secured two assists in 11 appearances in the Premier League 2 so far. Philogene-Bidace’s form has not gone unnoticed as Dean Smith decided to name him on his bench in the 0-0 draw versus Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League last weekend.
What Does The English Whizkid Offer On The Pitch?
Philogene-Bidace has decent pace in his locker and can get past his marker using his excellent ball control and dribbling ability out on the wide areas. He can also strike the ball accurately from long range and is becoming a clinical finisher in the final third.
Plus, the English wonderkid can also create some inviting chances for others around him but is still quite raw and would need time to hone his skills before he is ready to be thrown into the deep waters of Premier League football.
Is Philogene-Bidace A Prospect For The Future?
Philogene-Bidace has shown plenty of signs of encouragement with his performances for the Villans’ U-23 team this season, so it is only a matter of time before he gets a chance to make his debut and shine for Dean Smith’s first-team.
The fact that the Villa boss deemed Philogene-Bidace good enough to include him in his match-day squad last weekend suggests that Agbonlahor is maybe on to something when he tips the English prospect to break into Villa’s starting XI this season. Philogene-Bidace is undeniably a prospect to look out for in the future, so the Midlands outfit will be feeling good about themselves after extending the winger’s contract recently.
