Max Jenner is rapidly climbing the Aston Villa academy ranks after making a strong impression during the club’s 3-1 victory over Sevilla in the Antonio Puerta Trophy.
The midfielder has been performing well for Villa’s Under-21 side in recent weeks and is now pushing for an opportunity with the first team.
The international break created an unusual opportunity for a number of young players. Rather than simply using the period for academy prospects to train with the senior squad, Aston Villa arranged a friendly against Sevilla to maintain match sharpness ahead of the return of competitive action.
Unai Emery took a strong squad to Spain, leaving only a limited number of opportunities for academy players.
Jenner was one of those given the chance to impress.
Max Jenner makes an immediate impact against Sevilla
Villa eventually secured a 3-1 victory over Sevilla, with Brian Madjo also returning from injury.
Alejandro Garnacho put Villa ahead for the first time in the second half, before Jenner provided the moment that attracted the most attention.
The central midfielder came on as a substitute in the 76th minute.
Just seven minutes later, Jenner found the net to complete Villa’s victory.
The youngster produced a composed finish after making his way into the penalty area, adding his name to the scoresheet on an evening when Emery gave several players an opportunity.
Max Jenner had not featured in Villa’s pre-season
What makes the moment particularly notable is that Max Jenner had not been involved in Aston Villa’s pre-season.
Despite that, the midfielder waited for his opportunity and took advantage when Emery called upon him against Sevilla.
Scoring only seven minutes after entering the match gave Jenner an immediate opportunity to demonstrate that he can compete at senior level.
His performance could now place him firmly in Emery’s thoughts when considering options for the first team.
Strong Under-21 form has helped Jenner’s progress
Jenner’s Sevilla appearance did not come completely out of nowhere.
His performances for Aston Villa’s Under-21 side have been described as exceptional in recent weeks, helping him move quickly through the club’s academy structure.
The goal against Sevilla could accelerate that progression further.
For a young player attempting to break into a Premier League squad, taking an opportunity against senior opposition is an important moment.
Jenner has now given Emery another reason to keep monitoring his development.
Villa also tested two young left-backs
Jenner was not the only academy player to receive an opportunity against Sevilla.
Rodrigo Fortes started the match at left-back.
The 18-year-old was given his chance following Ian Maatsen’s injury, providing Emery with an opportunity to assess another internal option.
Fortes was replaced at half-time by Teddy Bloomfield, meaning Emery also had the chance to look at another young left-back during the friendly.
With only one natural left-back option available at the time, the match offered an opportunity to assess possible solutions from within the club.
Could Jenner make his Aston Villa debut this season?
Jenner’s goal against Sevilla does not guarantee a place in the first-team squad, but it has strengthened his case for further opportunities.
His recent Under-21 performances had already attracted attention, and his impact in Spain provided another positive moment.
The midfielder now has to continue developing and take advantage of any further chances Emery gives him.
For now, however, his rapid rise through the academy and his immediate impact against Sevilla suggest that Max Jenner is becoming a name to watch around the Aston Villa first team.
The Aston Villa News BR verdict
Max Jenner could hardly have asked for a better first impression in front of Emery.
Coming on in the 76th minute and scoring seven minutes later gave the academy midfielder an immediate contribution against senior opposition.
His recent Under-21 performances had already put him on the radar, while the Sevilla goal gives Emery another reason to consider him when looking at young options for the first team.
The next step will be whether Jenner can turn this opportunity into further involvement with the senior squad.
Want to stay up to date on everything? Join our Facebook channel now.
1 comentário em “Max Jenner gives Unai Emery another reason to consider Aston Villa youngster”