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Cameron Archer currently loser at Aston Villa after failed Watford move this summer - Ashley Preece
Ashley Preece has labelled Cameron Archer as one of the losers in the current Aston Villa squad after the start of the Premier League season.
The Birmingham Mail journalist reported that the young striker thought he was heading to Watford on loan for the season, but that broke down as Ismalia Sarr failed to make the move the other way.
Archer was backed for big things after sparkling in pre-season and scoring many times, but that has only transpired into eight minutes of action after Bolton in the EFL Cup.
Writing in his latest piece for the Birmingham Mail, Preece picked his winners and losers from the current squad at Villa Park in the 2022-23 season.
“After rattling in over 20 goals last season in all competitions, Cameron Archer has been afforded all of 10 minutes of Premier League action to date,” he wrote.
“The 20-year-old also thought he was heading to Watford for first-team football only for that to break down as Villa said no to signing Ismaila Sarr. Archer was only given eight minutes against Bolton as well as he waits patiently for more game time in Villa colours.”
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Trust.
Steven Gerrard was more than happy to back the young striker with playing time in pre-season as well as a new long-term contract at Villa Park.
But, that trust appears to have gone out of the window, despite the lack of success on show.
Aston Villa are struggling in the Premier League, that is clear, and sometimes you need a young player with no fear to come in and inspire those around him – how many times have we seen that?
Archer knows where the back of the net is and that is a skill that you are mostly born with, not something you simply learn over time, and confidence is lacking in the squad.
Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings have once again struggled to play together, but not much better by themselves either, so something may need to change soon.
If it doesn’t, you can expect a loan move to be sanctioned in January.
In other Football Wonderkids news, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been tipped to hit 25 Premier League goals “easily” this season