Stepping in against Arsenal on the road having just fallen behind isn’t an easy task for the most experienced of players, but Aston Villa youngster Lamare Bogarde did a fantastic job this weekend doing exactly that.
In a nightmare few first-half minutes, not only did Villa concede at the Emirates to go 1-0 down, but Amadou Onana was forced off with an injury and subsequently a change had to be made.
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Many would have expected Emery to bring on one of Leon Bailey, Emiliano Buendia or Donyell Malen and shift Youri Tielemans back into the midfield pivot alongside Boubacar Kamara, but the Villa boss chose a different path.
On came Bogarde to sit in front of the backline, and what an excellent shift the Dutch youngster put in to play a key role in our ability to come away with a point.
In 53 minutes, he had 100 percent passing accuracy, 17 touches, two tackles won, two clearances, two headed clearances and won six of six ground duels.
Beyond the numbers though, his defensive positioning and reading of the game were so impressive, as he regained, and retained, possession really effectively to have an important influence on proceedings.
Further, the maturity with which he played to not get overawed by the situation and occasion was superb, and ultimately it proved to be a brilliant decision from Emery.
Speculation has suggested that interest is growing in Bogarde this week to take him on loan, and so that now presents a big decision for the Villa boss and the management team over what is best for us, and for the youngster’s development.
On one hand, it could be argued that he would benefit more from a spell elsewhere to gain valuable experience through regular playing time, as that will enable him to improve his all-round game and come back in the summer a better player, and better prepared to make a sustained breakthrough at Villa.
Conversely, he is clearly highly rated by Emery and with his versatility allowing him to fill different roles in defence and midfield, he could be a useful option to have at his disposal as Villa remain in the hunt for a top-four finish in the Premier League, the Champions League and FA Cup.
Bogarde would have done his chances of staying and getting more minutes no harm with his performance this weekend, and it’s great to see a young talent deliver when called upon as it will only boost his confidence and the belief and trust from Emery in his ability to step up and deliver.
Played very well and deserved his big chance keep him in the squad and also keep Barry it would be a massive mistake to sell him a brilliant player in the making we should be giving him a go in the first team he’s the same age as Duran and just as talented