Aston Villa ‘could save millions’ after Athletic’s Chukwuemeka reveal – Whelan
Noel Whelan has tipped Carney Chukwuemeka to save Aston Villa “millions” in the future.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds and Middlesbrough striker said the 17-year-old “is a massive talent” who could follow in the footsteps of Jack Grealish.
Villa boss Dean Smith handed Chukwuemeka his full Premier League debut against Brentford on Saturday.
The Athletic revealed the midfielder’s passing accuracy in the opposition half was the highest of any player who featured for at least 30 minutes in the 1-1 draw.
A product of Villa’s academy, Chukwuemeka put pen to paper on his first professional contract with the club last October.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of the teenager’s performance v Brentford, Whelan said: “The signs are great.
“He could save the club millions in the future.
“Aston Villa, like Leeds, have always been a club that have brought youngsters through. Their academy set-up is great.
“You want there to be a pathway through to the first team so it is great to see a young lad who is talented and hungry get his opportunity.
“He played with no fear against Brentford and that is exactly what Dean Smith wanted to see.
“Smith will want to see the academy being fruitful. He will want these youngsters to be desperate to take the places of the senior players. I enjoy seeing that. It keeps the squad on their toes.
“Chukwuemeka is a massive talent and hopefully he can be the next Jack Grealish.”
In other news, Phillips predicts big-money signing has played his last game for Aston Villa after confirmed news.