Paris Saint-Germain secured the UEFA Super Cup with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, but the match highlighted the burgeoning potential of two teenage prospects for the English club. Seventeen-year-old Brian Madjo and 19-year-old George Hemmings made significant impacts against the French champions, offering a glimpse of a bright future for Aston Villa.
Madjo, who joined Villa for £10 million from Metz last January, became the youngest scorer in Super Cup history when he netted Aston Villa's equalizer just before halftime. The 6ft 4in forward, who had a registration issue that delayed his debut until this summer, troubled PSG's defense, notably bullying defender Willian Pacho. Before scoring, Madjo missed two other notable chances and demonstrated his potential despite his raw technique, which manager Unai Emery is expected to refine.
Hemmings, a product of Aston Villa's youth system, also impressed, particularly in his maturity and composure on the ball. Starting on the left, he fearlessly took on PSG's right-back Achraf Hakimi and displayed an advanced understanding of possession, even retrieving the ball near his own goal line and confidently distributing it. His performance suggests he will be a regular fixture in the first team.
PSG's goals came from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, ensuring they retained the trophy. However, the French side was noted to be some way from full fitness, with key players like Bradley Barcola not featuring from the bench.
Aston Villa made significant changes since their Europa League win less than three months prior, with players like Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Lucas Digne departing. Only five starters from that final featured in this match, with others still on post-World Cup breaks. The club is also navigating UEFA's financial rules, making homegrown talent like Hemmings particularly valuable.
Despite the departures and squad evolution, manager Unai Emery and captain John McGinn expressed optimism about the "new Villa." The performances of Madjo and Hemmings against a strong PSG side provided tangible evidence to support their confidence ahead of Aston Villa's Premier League opener against Brighton on August 23.