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.

What’s the latest news involving Chrisene?

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.

What has Ashley Preece said about Chrisene?

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 come back from his loan spell and really stake a claim next summer.

“Age is just a number, as Gerrard keeps saying, and he is one to watch. I’m really impressed with him.”

What year were the club founded?

1854


1864


1874


1884

Who is ahead of Chrisene in the Villa pecking order?

Lucas Digne joined Villa from Premier League rivals Everton in a deal worth up to £25million in January and he has made the left-back slot his own when fully fit.

Gerrard strengthened his options in the position further during the summer, securing the services of Ludwig Augustinsson from Spanish giants Sevilla on an initial loan.

However, the Swede’s debut did not go to plan as he picked up a yellow card within the opening six minutes of the goalless stalemate with Leeds United on Sunday and was withdrawn with a hamstring injury which has left Gerrard ‘fearing the worst’.

Ashley Young, who has made 220 appearances over the course of two spells with Villa, is also ahead of Chrisene in the queue for a starting spot at left-back.

Read more: Carabao (EFL) Cup 2022/23: Dates, Schedule, Draw, Ball Numbers, Odds And Everything You Need To Know

News Now – Sport News