Aston Villa prospect could save Steven Gerrard millions in summer transfer window

Aston Villa have one of the most impressive academy systems in the world and today granted another first team debut to a young star that could be set to start in the next game for Steven Gerrard.

Jacob Ramsey is one of the first names on the team sheet for Steven Gerrard, with Carney Chukwuemeka also being used consistently for an impact off the bench. The club could now be set to see the next prospect burst onto the scene, in the form of 19-year-old defensive midfielder, Tim Iroegbunam.

Villa decided against signing a defensive midfielder once again in January, with a reported £50 million price tag quoted for Brighton's Yves Bissouma. A decision that could have opened a window of opportunity for Iroegbunam to break into the first team. He came on in the 86th minute against Brighton, and whilst it may have overwhelmed normal 19-year-olds, Iroegbunam looked comfortable at the level.

The player was signed by Villa in July 2021 with academy manager Mark Harrison stating: "Tim is an athletic midfielder who is technically very good.

“He has the ability to play as a holding midfielder or a box-to-box midfielder, who can contribute in both penalty areas. “Tim has a lot of potential, and we look forward to seeing him develop over the next few years.”

He fits the profile of player that Gerrard's team needs immediately after Marvelous Nakamba suffered a severe knee injury. Iroegbunam possesses the athleticism and reading of the game that allows him to disrupt his opponents play, whilst also having the composure and passing ability to propel his side forward.

Iroegbunam has also already impressed against senior opponents in the EFL Trophy. In the 4-2 win against Milton Keynes Dons away from home, his performance was