'A game-changing showman’ - Why Philogene can star at Villa

Adrian Clarke analyses the key summer signings and the impact they could make at their new clubs in the Premier League this season.

Player analysis - Jaden Philogene (Aston Villa)

Less than a year after moving from Villa to Hull City, talented winger Philogene has earned a transfer straight back to the Midlands club.

The exciting 22-year-old was one of the Championship’s star performers last season after scoring 12 goals and assisting six.

His speed, dribbling, and finishing tormented opponents in the second tier, so Unai Emery must feel he is now ready to make an impact at the highest level.

A natural showman

Philogene scored two "goal of the season" contenders for Hull in 2023/24, with a pair of the cheekiest finishes imaginable.

His extraordinary "rabona" goal at Rotherham United earned worldwide acclaim and he also netted with a clever backheel against the same opponents in the reverse fixture.

Philogene can deliver game-changing moments of brilliance due to his willingness to try the unexpected.

Shooting on sight

Former Hull head coach Liam Rosenior was happy to use Philogene on either flank, but his productivity was much higher when he started on the left.

Philogene scored 10 times in 22 league matches in that role, compared with two goals in 10 starts on the right.

Interestingly, Emery did not settle on a regular choice to play on the left during 2023/24 with Jacob Ramsey, Morgan Rogers, John McGinn and on-loan Nicolo Zaniolo all utilised in that position.

Philogene, who loves to drive forward and have shots at goal, is arguably a bigger goal threat than any of those alternative options.

On a per 90-minute basis, only two Championship players averaged more efforts on goal in 2023/24.

Most shots/90 by Championship players 2023/24

Philogene made a combined total of 99 tackles and interceptions in 2023/24, which shows how hard he works out of possession.

His desire to counter press will suit Villa, who like to squeeze up and press the opposition.

Having worked with Emery before his move to Hull, Philogene will not take long to readapt to his tactical approach.

Breaking it down

Philogene’s 12-goal collection was full of memorable strikes, including a couple from outside the box, as he displayed his capabilities of striking the ball cleanly with either foot.

He was especially dangerous when firing off shots from just inside the penalty area after slipping infield from the left and putting defenders on the back foot by running at them.

Breakdown of Philogene's goals

Championship’s most dangerous ball carrier

Philogene will excite Villa supporters because of his affiliation with the club and how he runs with the ball skilfully at pace.

He is able to accelerate away from defenders while keeping control of the ball on the run and, as you can see in the table below, Philogene carries it with serious intent.

He created a stream of shots for himself, and chances for others, off the back of those bursts, and this will work well for a Villa team who like to counter-attack at speed.

Philogene dribbling stats 2023/24

If he had made more than 32 starts, Philogene would have led the way in those Championship rankings.

For example, when you break down the rate of shot-ending ball carries, it is Philogene who comfortably topped the charts.

Championship players' mins per shot-ending ball carry

Making an influence in the Summer Series

Philogene’s breakout campaign began during pre-season last summer when he starred for Villa in the Premier League’s Summer Series event in the United States.

It looked like he would get opportunities to start under Emery in the top flight after catching the eye against Newcastle United, Fulham - who he scored against - and Brentford.

That did not materialise, but the door was kept ajar for him to get a second chance at making it as a first-team regular.

With more experience under his belt and his confidence high, do not be surprised if Philogene makes a big impact at Villa this season.

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