In a recent interview (via Bristol Live), Bristol Rovers head coach Joey Barton has heaped praise on Aston Villa youngster Lamare Bogarde who is playing on loan at the Memorial Stadium. Barton said,
“Lamare, I just watched on the Wyscout clips, but you could see he was competent, could handle the ball and we needed a body in that area. I have to be honest with you, he’s better than what I predicted.
“I knew he was a good player, Aston Villa thought really highly of him and they said, ‘look, he’s a game player. There’ll be things he does in training that will frustrate you etc but just let him go in games, let him play and he’ll show you what he can do.’”
Bogarde’s Recent Form In English Football
Bogarde is having a solid loan spell at Bristol as he has put in a run of impressive displays at the centre of their midfield. The 19-year-old has made seven senior appearances for the League One club this season, securing one assist in the process across various competitions.
The Rotterdam-born sensation has caught the eye at times by averaging 2.1 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 0.6 clearances per 90 minutes in the League One. He has even been accurate with his ball distribution after completing 78.2% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Does Bogarde Have A Future At Aston Villa?
Bogarde is enjoying his football while on loan at Bristol Rovers. He has proven his worth as a solid tackler at the back and can earn possession back for his side on the defensive third of the pitch. The Dutch talent is proficient at clearing the danger at the back when the opposition are on the front foot and usually keeps things tidy when playing his way out from the back. He is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also fill in as a centre-back if needed.
Someone of Bogarde’s skillset will no doubt have a bright future at Villa Park. In a few years, he could be ready to feature for the Villans‘ first XI. However, for now, the youngster needs to concentrate on getting better on the field.
At 19, the sky is the limit for the Dutch whizkid as long as he continues to improve his all-round with each season. With all things considered, Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery should definitely think about giving Bogarde a chance when he returns from his loan spell at the end of this campaign.
