Gerrard can unearth Villa's own Foden by finally unleashing "lovely little footballer" - opinion

Aston Villa have seen numerous players work their way through the youth system at the Midlands club and become Premier League stars.

Figures such as Gareth Barry, Gary Cahill, Steven Davis and Marc Albrighton have all gone on to make a significant number of appearances in the Premier League after coming through Villa’s youth ranks.

One player that is currently in the Villa senior squad that was in the youth system not too long ago is midfielder Jacob Ramsey, who has now racked up a total of 58 first-team appearances for the Midlands club.

Looking ahead to the future, current Villa boss Steven Gerrard has the chance to unearth yet another youth prospect at the club that could go on to become a regular senior figure in his side.

18-year-old midfielder Tommi O’Reilly has racked up a total of 37 appearances across Villa’s U18 and U23 sides.

In those appearances, the teenager has scored eight goals and provided three assists along the way.

Labelled as a “little Phil Foden” by staff in the academy, O’Reilly has yet to make his senior debut for the Villans but has been involved in three matchday squads, showing how close he is to making his first appearance for the first team.

Back in March, the youngster signed his professional contract with the club, which shows just how much they value the player.

Described as a “lovely little footballer” by Villa journalist Ashley Preece, O’Reilly could well be the next youngster in line to follow in the footsteps of so many players that have made a name for themselves in England as a product of Villa’s impeccable youth system.

With just a handful of league games left to play before the end of the season, Gerrard could have the ideal period of time ahead of him now to give the teenage