Prolific Villa ace reveals Gerrard link and excitement at playing under him
Aston Villa youngster Caleb Chukwuemeka reveals he was wanted by boss Steven Gerrard at Rangers, and is excited at playing under him after a loan spell.
Chukwuemeka has been one of the most important players in Villa’s academy side this season. The 19-year-old has contributed to 15 goals in nine Premier League 2 games this season.
While he has impressed in the academy, he has only once been utilised in the senior squad, playing 17 minutes against Barrow in the EFL Cup in August.
Still, the forward is seen as a promising talent by his manager. In fact, Chukwuemeka claims Gerrard wanted to take him to Rangers last summer when he was in charge there.
“I remember my agent saying to me that Rangers were interested in me in the summer,” he said via Birmingham Mail.
“It was a crazy coincidence that Steven Gerrard came to Villa as the manager.”
Clearly, Chukwuemeka is ecstatic to be working under such a quality former player.
“You can only learn from a guy like him. Everyone knows what he has done in the game and I was excited when he came to Villa,” he said.
The 19-year-old’s current loan at Livingston will give him a chance to show the boss that he can impress consistently.
“The staff there believe in me and they think this is a good opportunity for me to take my game to the next level and go back there a better player,” he said.
Chukwuemeka keen on breaking into Villa side
Chukwuemeka clearly feels that playing well at Livingston will help his chances back at Villa no end.
“I need to show him [Gerrard] what I can do here and hopefully get my chance there next season,” he said.
“That will help me prepare for the future if I want to play in the English Premier League.”
The Englishman will want to follow in the footsteps of his younger brother. Carney Chukwuemeka has played in six Premier League games this season, starting once.
A good loan campaign will show the Villa gaffer that Caleb is on the same level as his brother, and worthy of a first-team berth.
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