Aston Villa: Gerrard 'thinks highly' of 18-year-old who's 'one to watch'

Aston Villa starlet Ben Chrisene is ‘one to watch’ as he is highly-rated by boss Steven Gerrard and could challenge for the left-back berth when he returns to Villa Park from Kilmarnock, according to Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece.

Having only secured two wins from their opening eight Premier League fixtures of the season, the Midlands giants are just two points clear of the relegation zone, but Gerrard is unable to call upon Chrisene at the moment.

Having worked closely with the first-team and been involved in the pre-season tour of Australia, Chrisene headed north of the border for the campaign.

Just days before the summer transfer window slammed shut, the 18-year-old joined Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock on loan.

Chrisene has already gone on to make five appearances in his new surroundings, but a poor start to the season means Killie are second-from-bottom in the table.

The full-back enjoyed an international break to remember as he claimed his first two caps for the England under-19 side during wins over Montenegro and Georgia last month.

Chrisene was a member of the youthful side which faced Liverpool in the FA Cup third round in 2021, but he has not been handed a senior Villa appearance since.

Preece understands that Gerrard is an admirer of Chrisene and, as a result, believes he could challenge for more regular opportunities when he returns to Villa following his loan with Kilmarnock.

The journalist feels Villans supporters should keep an eye on the teenage starlet, who joined from League One side Exeter City two years ago.

Preece told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s on a long-term deal at Villa and Gerrard thinks highly of him.

“I think he is a future first-team left-back, if not next season. I think he could