ANDRE GREEN RETURNS
The winger had caught the eye in recent weeks and so it was a real shame to see him sidelined with a hamstring injury following the Bristol City victory.
Indeed, whilst Green had begun to show maturity and confidence in the weeks prior, it was the Bristol City game where he delivered his best performance in a Villa shirt. Â After a run of lifeless performances, there was finally someone trying to take the game to an opposition side.
Villa have struggled for creativity in recent seasons, as well as a wide player who is direct in their approach.
The academy product is demonstrating the type of promise & threat which many might have assumed that Jack Grealish would be delivering in The Championship.
It is perhaps this comparison which is most intriguing.
Grealish has become associated with slowing our attacks and being an easy target for opposition sides to stop. Â Talented he might be, but there’s now unexpected competition at B6.
Green, by contrast has a turn of pace, the ability to beat his man and the single mindedness to try and made something happen. Â He’s tricky, quick and an unknown quantity in the division.
It’s all very promising.
Green is reported to be back in full training and is in the frame for inclusion in Villa’s squad to face Wigan (away) this weekend.
KEYÂ FACTS
- 15 Appearances this season (9 as substitute)
- 4 goals in 12 apperances for Under 23’s 2016/17.
- 75% passing accuracy for senior side.
- 18 years old.
- Joined Villa aged 9.
- Made U21 debut aged just 15.
- Senior debut March 2016.
- Hamstring injury vs. Bristol City.
- Best games: Derby & Bristol City.
BRUCE’S VIEW:
I have been very pleased with him and two or three of the youngsters.
He did very well against Wolves and we had more crosses in the box in the last 20 minutes with him on the pitch, that was mainly down to Andre.
There’s nothing better, even in my hour of need I threw an 18-year-old in when I needed a performance because it lifts the crowd and gives everyone a lift at the club.
It certainly lifts the academy and, of course, it gives the older players a kick up the arse that there’s a young kid breathing down their neck.
Unfortunately Greeny’s got injured but he produced and was arguably our best player in those two games [Bristol City & Derby County].