Carney Chukwuemeka and Jaden Philogene-Bidace both reflected on dreams come true after they made their Premier League debuts for Aston Villa against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.
Chukwuemeka, 17, was introduced as an 89th-minute substitute against Spurs before Philogene-Bidace, 19, stepped off the bench in injury time to help Villa see out an impressive 2-1 victory in north London.
It was a proud moment for both talented teenagers as well as the club’s Academy as the pair made their first-team debuts.
Speaking post-match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Chukwuemeka said: “It felt amazing.
“It’s every young footballer’s dream to make their Premier League debut and for me to do it was just a dream come true.
“It’s the proudest moment of my career so far.”
Philogene-Bidace said: “It was a very good opportunity for me and my family.
“It was very, very good.”
Asked what head coach Dean Smith said to him before he came on, Philogene-Bidace added: “He said ‘enjoy it, good experience, be confident as soon as you get on’.
“And I think that’s what I did.
“Just played how I usually play.”
Chukwuemeka almost capped a dream debut with a memorable goal, only to see his low strike from the edge of the penalty area rebound off the foot of a post.
He said: “As soon as the opportunity fell to me, I just thought ‘let me hit it and try my luck’.
“Unluckily it hit the post, so next time maybe…”
Carney will now be looking to cap a memorable season by lifting silverware as Villa’s Young Lions compete in the FA Youth Cup Final on Monday against Liverpool.
The showpiece occasion takes place at Villa Park (ko 7.45pm) and for full ticket details on how you can be there to show your support, click here.
Congratulations, Carney and Jaden!
