Aston Villa fans are heading into a full month of proper, important and real football as pointless internationals leave us alone during the annual December fixture crush.
New head coach Steven Gerrard has had a good impact so far, we have drawn the line under five poor straight defeats with victory over Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace, and although we fell to defeat against Manchester City on Wednesday evening – the second half response and performance gave everyone some festive cheer.
So with spirits boosted, it’s time to look at how our lads out on loan are doing.
Indiana Vassilev headed back to the United States for a season long spell with Inter Miami. The 20-year-old attacker did pretty well and caused quite a stir, at least with their matchday commentator who celebrated his first goal by calling him Indiana Jones and as he bagged his second for them, scoring was compared to eating a Twix.
Indy ended his MLS season with 7 starts, 14 substitute showings and he scored three times in total. He’s now back at Bodymoor Heath looking to impress Gerrard.
Next out was goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic who again returned to Hajduk Split for the season. He has 14 starting appearances to his name so far, with six clean sheets.
Fellow goalkeeper, and highly rated youngster, Akos Onodi headed out to Bromsgrove Sporting who ply their trade in the Southern League Premier Division Central. The loan is described as ‘long’ – whatever that might mean.
The 20-year-old stopper has made 18 starting appearances so far across all competitions.
Midfielder Finn Azaz was actually a summer capture from West Bromwich Albion, and he immediately headed out to League Two side Newport County for the year. The 21-year-old has made eleven starting appearances so far, with another eight showings from the bench. He opened his goalscoring account in September’s clash with Barrow and added a second in October’s 5-0 victory over Stevenage.
Versatile defender Seb Revan headed out for his first taste of life on loan and joined Grimsby Town for the remainder of the campaign. The 18-year-old made his starting debut for them at the end of August in a scoreless draw with Stockport County and he now boasts three starting appearances and four substitute showings to his name.
Vital Villa’s Youth – U23 – Loan Forum Thread
Promising right back Kaine Kessler Hayden headed out to Swindon Town for a spell in League Two. The 19-year-old talent has had a lively time of it so far. 12 starting appearances, two substitute showings, two yellow cards, a red card and he won a penalty on his debut.
Very highly rated youngster Louie Barry headed to League One side Ipswich Town for the campaign, and the 18-year-old has made four starts so far, with two substitute showings.
18-year-old striker Brad Young made the switch to League Two side Carlisle United and he boasts nine starts, and nine substitute appearances so far. He opened his goalscoring account for them in the EFL Trophy with a brace against Everton’s Under 21 side, and he’s since added a third to his tally.
Next out was Tyreik Wright, with the 20-year-old heading to League Two Salford City as he looks to build on his experience last season with Walsall. The versatile attacker has so far made six starting appearances, with six showings off the bench, and he opened his goalscoring account in their game with Newport County at the end of August.
Midfielder Arjan Raikhy headed to National League outfit Stockport County, and the 19-year-old now has five starting appearances, with two substitute showings to his name. He was very impressive in their FA Cup clash with Bolton which Aunty Beeb screened back on November.
Wesley will continue his rehabilitation from Ben Mee’s horrific assault back at Club Brugge. He’s with them until the end of the 2021/22 campaign and he now has one start and three substitute appearances to his name.
Conor Hourihane also left on loan again, this time for Bramall Lane and Sheffield United. He’s with them until the end of the campaign wherein his contract will come to a natural end. He’s made three starts and seven substitute appearances so far.
Deadline day saw another three departures.
Versatile 20-year-old defender Mungo Bridge headed out to French Championnat National side FC Annercy, and he’s now made two substitute appearances for them.
Freddy Guilbert headed back to French side Strasbourg for another season long loan and he’s made ten starts with one substitute showing so far.
Finally, 21-year-old Dominic Revan made the switch out to League Two side Northampton Town as he looked to build on his experience last season with Weymouth and he’s only with them until January at this point. So far, he’s made four starts, with two substitute appearances.
And that’s your lot for now – until Santa has been, of course.
