Andre Green is the latest promising talent to emerge from Aston Villa’s highly regarded academy.
Green, who has been at Villa since the age of nine, was given his Premier League debut by Remi Garde during Villa’s defeat to Tottenham last month and caused the north London side’s defence numerous problems during his short stint on the pitch.
With Villa’s relegation to the Championship possibly be confirmed at the weekend, Green has been linked by the Mirror to a move to Arsenal.
So who is he and why would Arsenal be interested in him?
Green, who has predominantly featured as a winger when playing for Villa’s various age groups along with the first team, can also play as a striker and has been played as a striker by Villa’s under-21 manager Gordon Cowans.
Green is highly regarded by those in charge of Villa’s youth set up, having made his debut for the club’s under-21 side at the age of 15 in January 2014 and his debut for Villa’s under-18 side at just 14. His first appearance in Villa’s matchday squad came at the end of last season, when he was an unused substitute in Villa’s defeat to Burnley.
The 17-year-old development at the start of the season was hampered due to injuries but he managed to score his first goal of the season for the under-18 side in October before suffering an ankle injury which ruled him out until January. However, since his return from his ankle injury he hasn’t looked back and has made two Premier League appearances.
Green’s main asset is his pace and usually looks to play on the shoulder of the last defender. His finishing at times can be questionable, whilst his decision making on occasion can also be suspect and needs to improve.
But ultimately if he is given the chance to develop and has a manager like Arsene Wenger who is renowned for giving opportunities to young players, he could potentially develop into a top player worthy of featuring for Arsenal on a regular basis. Training with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and co. will do nothing but benefit his career while playing alongside the talents of Chris Willock and Donyell Malen will do nothing but aid his progress.
