AdminUnai Emery believes he has been justified in handing George Hemmings a prominent role in Aston Villa’s first team, with the head coach declaring the teenager is now “clearly” ready for Premier League football.
The 19-year-old has started all three of Villa’s matches this season, as well as the UEFA Super Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain, and has quickly established himself ahead of new arrival Alejandro Garnacho.
Hemmings almost registered his first assist for the club during Saturday’s goalless draw with Hull City. The youngster produced an excellent pull-back for Emi Buendía, but the Argentine midfielder could only fire his effort over the crossbar.
He also produced Villa’s first shot on target of the new campaign, forcing Konstantinos Tzolakis into a save with a low effort towards the goalkeeper’s near post.
Asked why Hemmings is currently being preferred to Garnacho, Emery praised the youngster’s progress and work rate.
“George, he worked last year the whole year with us and played minutes. He is performing fantastic and getting better.
“He created one assist for Buendia. He is working in the intensity and kilometres we need. He is doing it. I think he is a player now, clearly, to be in the Premier League.
“Then, we have other players who joined who need to adapt to us in training, playing matches, and Garnacho is in this way.
“We need their performance to try to add things, working and getting numbers. Garnacho is in this way. How he is responding, George, is really fantastic.”
Admin
