Alan Hutton has backed Aston Villa's 17-year-old striker Brian Madjo to make a Premier League breakthrough similar to Wayne Rooney's emergence as a teenager. The former Villa defender's comments follow Madjo's impressive pre-season campaign, during which he scored five goals in seven appearances, including a goal in the 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.
Impressive Pre-Season and Injury Setback
Madjo's performance against PSG, where he dominated experienced centre-backs Willian Pacho and Marquinhos, was a standout moment. However, he was subsequently ruled out until at least September with an injury, a setback that has not dampened Hutton's enthusiasm.
"Brian Madjo is like Wayne Rooney when he came through. At 17, to be physically so ready for the Premier League, that's something you don't see very often," Hutton told BOYLE Sports.
Villa's Fight to Register Madjo
Aston Villa have been striving to get Madjo on the pitch in the Premier League, even going through the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Hutton believes the club's efforts are justified, given the striker's displays.
"You look at all the goals he's scored in pre-season, the bits and pieces we've seen this summer, and how he played against PSG, he is going to scare the life out of centre-backs in the Premier League once he's allowed to play," Hutton added.
Dominating Defenders at 17
Hutton highlighted Madjo's physicality and confidence, noting that he bullied Pacho on several occasions and could have scored a hat-trick against the reigning European champions. The goal he did score, Hutton described as "the probably the hardest finish of the lot for him."
"That's a frightening thing to see from a 17-year-old, and he's still learning. This is only the start," Hutton said.
Future Under Unai Emery
Hutton emphasized Madjo's potential for growth under Villa manager Unai Emery, who he considers one of the best managers in world football. He believes Emery will know how to get the best out of the young striker.
"His movement is already very good and he's going to be growing as a player under one of the best managers in world football, and I believe Unai Emery will know exactly how to get the best out of him," Hutton said. "Look at him now at 17 and imagine how good he'll be at 23 or 24, and if he keeps going in the same way, what kind of player could he become? It's a very exciting time for Brian Madjo and Aston Villa."
