Aston Villa youngster who rejected Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp invitation handed big opportunity

Steven Gerrard is "excited" to help 18-year-old Ben Chrisene become a Premier League player and the Aston Villa head coach has confirmed he will be given the opportunity to impress following Matt Targett's loan switch to Newcastle United.

Chrisene joined Villa in the summer of 2020 and signed his first professional contract at Villa Park last year.

He has been capped by England at Under-15, U16 and U17 level and has been impressing Gerrard's staff at Bodymoor Heath since the former Rangers boss took over at Villa in November.

A first-team pathway has now opened up for the young defender after Targett left the club last month following the arrival of £25million signing Lucas Digne from Everton.

Gerrard, as is the ideal scenario for most managers, wants two players fighting for each position on the pitch, but in Chrisene he feels as though he is covered adequately.

"I would have preferred him [Targett] to stay and fight as he is a really strong left-back in this league, which is why he had options, but I can’t stand in anyone’s way unless I can guarantee him game time that will satisfy him so that’s why it’s come about, but everyone needs to know it was Matt’s decision rather than him being pushed in that direction.

"I’d have been happy to keep him but it’s opened up a pathway for young Ben Chrisene – really good prospect and we’re really excited to try to help him become a Premier League player."

Chrisene joined Villa from Exeter after he became the Grecians’ youngest ever player when he came on against Coventry City in the Carabao Cup, aged 15-years, seven months.

He broke the club record previously held by Ethan Ampadu who went on to sign for Chelsea and star for Wales.

Chrisene was tipped to follow in Ampadu’s