Aston Villa fans go nuts over ‘joke’ player and fire demand to Dean Smith

Aston Villa fans want to see Carney Chukwuemeka given his first-team chance after yet another outstanding performance from the 17-year-old.

Having impressed in the recent win over Wolves for Villa’s under-23s and taken the plaudits when scoring on his debut for England under-18s against Wales, the midfielder dispatched an incredible first-half hat-trick against Burton Albion on Wednesday.

After taking just seven minutes to open his account, the teenager scored again in the 32nd minute before completing his hat-trick just before half-time as Villa’s under-18s strolled to a 9-0 success in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.

Chukwuemeka was one of two Villa players to score three goals, with Louie Barry also completing his hat-trick in the second half. Aaron Ramsey, Brad Young and Seb Revan were on target too.

Chukwuemeka has impressed throughout the season with Villa head coach Dean Smith naming him in his matchday squad for the 2-1 defeat to Leicester City on February 21.

He was signed to a professional deal in October after chief executive Christian Purslow identified him as one of the country’s top talents last year.

“We have one right now, probably the best 16-year-old in England, Carney,” said Purslow in March 2020. “Absolutely no debate, he’s starting for the under-23s.

“That’s what you want with your 16 year-olds. Not people who are not quite breaking into the first team, but staying around on contracts because it isn’t quite happening.”

Chukwuemeka is yet to make his senior bow for Smith’s side but supporters are keen for that to change before the end of the Premier League season after his latest standout showing.

One fan on social media said: “The way Chukwuemeka plays reminds me of (Jack) Grealish so much. I would love to see him get some Premier League minutes at the end of this season.”

“With our season going as well as it has, I’m desperate to see some of these kids break into the first team for the remainder of the season. They are talented, highly confident, and are more than deserving of a taste of the Premier League,” said another.

A third fan posted: “We are at the stage in the season now where we can try out some of them in the main squad. We won’t get Europe this season so we may as well give some of them a chance.”

“How does Chukwuemeka not get on the bench over one of the four defenders we sit on there? Kid’s a joke,” wrote another.

While a fifth added: “Chukwuemeka has an incredible touch. So good to get him tied down, plays like (Paul) Pogba.”