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There was a time when Aston Villa had one of the best academy systems in football. It had promise. It had potential. And it all fizzled to naught after a NextGen title. But the system isn't entirely dead, and it's been quietly re-stocking. At the core of that system lately has been André Green, who just signed a new three-year contract with Aston Villa yesterday.
Green plays normally as a winger, and in that position he could be very helpful for Aston Villa this season. The lack of attacking midfield options for this club is a worrying problem, so there's a natural need for Green. But he's also only 18, and expecting very much from him at this point would be folly. If I had to take a guess, I think Green will be the type of player who features regularly in the League Cup and makes the bench about half the time in league play.
It's not going to be a breakout season for Green, but it doesn't need to be. Just show signs of solid progress and we'll all be happy.