Jaden Philogene

[Smithy]

He was only ever going to be a squad player this year, and if he can have a few starts in the cups or when others need a rest, and have a few impact sub appearances, then great. Hopefully he can grow into a more regular contributor over the season.

I don't really get how it's played out this way though.

Summer '23:

AVFC : "We think you're good, we want you in the squad to cover for injuries and let's see how you develop?"
JP: "Nah, you're alright. I want to be playing every week"

*JP has a really decent season, becomes one of the best players in the Championship and an England U21 regular and now has at least two Premier League teams keen to sign him as a first-team player*

Summer '24:

AVFC: "We think you're good, we want you in the squad to cover for injuries and let's see how you develop?"
JP: "Where do I sign?"

My best guess is that he wants to tick the "played in the Champions League box" as he might not get another chance and there is always an Everton or Ipswich to move to next year if it doesn't work out. But if it's not that, I don't get why he chose to come back rather than playing in the Premier League every week.

My guess is there are 20 or 30 thousand reasons a week why he's happier being a squad player in a champions league side, than he was playing the same role 12-18 months ago.

I'm sure he WANTS to play more regularly, but I also suspect he recognises he's not going to walk into the side that finished 4th last season.  He's in the match-day squad, and he's getting a few minutes here and there. It's up to him to take them.

[Footy-Vill]

Jaden Philogene it's your time.

[Demitri_C]

Take your chance jaden 💜

[Brazilian Villain]

From Barrow in his first to Bayern in his second start.

[VillaTim]

Good luck to Philogene

[astonvilla82]

Take your chance jaden 💜

Remember someone called Nigel had the same opportunity

[eye digress]

Almost choked on my popcorn when I saw the team sheet.

He’s done quite well so far, especially after the switch to the left - reminded me, he mostly played there for Hull.

[paul_e]

Almost choked on my popcorn when I saw the team sheet.

He’s done quite well so far, especially after the switch to the left - reminded me, he mostly played their for Hull.

He's given their right back a lot of trouble, hope he can keep it going.

[Clark W Griswold]

Decent performance, excellent in fact considering the opposition.

[Ian.]

He played very well. Emery has seen something he likes and we had some real glimpses tonight of that.

[paul_e]

Worked his arse off and was a really useful out ball for us on both sides, performances like that are why Emery wanted to bring him back.

[Risso]

Fair play, worked his absolute nadgers off. No real chance to stretch his legs but that was McGinn-like out wide.

[PaulWinch again]

Hell of a shift and bar a couple of lapses incredible how he maintained his concentration.

[Demitri_C]

Take your chance jaden 💜

Remember someone called Nigel had the same opportunity

He certainly took it tonight!! Well done jaden

[kipeye]

Unpopular opinion no doubt, but I think we will have a better player in JPB than Diaby. I am certain he is stronger on the ball and better backtracking. He doesn't seem as quick but is very sharp in front of goal. Just my opinion, time will tell.

Happy to say I think this was exactly what we saw tonight.