Cameron Archer is just 20 years-old and has only had six Championship games under his belt. After three goals in those games however, some Aston Villa fans are starting to question whether they should ever have let him leave on loan in the first place.
There’s no doubting Archer will be learning plenty during this loan spell, especially working under a former striker in Ryan Lowe who regularly found the back of the net throughout his career.
Before his move to Preston North End, Archer had a loan spell with Solihull Moors in the National League. Aside from that, he had to settle for football in the cup competitions with Aston Villa, but it was here that he impressed and came to prominence.
Villa clearly have plans to integrate him into the first team picture in the future, but for now Steven Gerrard is happy for him to pick up some experience in the second tier and learn from his good friend Ryan Lowe.
Aston Villa drew a blank against lowly Newcastle United last weekend, and it led to some Villans wondering why they have a young striker out on loan scoring some great goals, when their more senior strikers are struggling.
Ollie Watkins has scored just five goals this season, and none in 2022. Danny Ings has scored four goals for Villa since joining from Southampton and only one since mid October.
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Villa fans have been keenly keeping an eye on Archer and some are taking in Preston games when they can. They are clearly excited about the young lad’s potential and can see the striker may already be able to add a natural goalscoring touch to their side which is now full of creativity midfield.
Archer could be the final piece of a jigsaw already containing Philippe Coutinho, Emi Buendia, and the rapidly improving Jacob Ramsey.
Preston fans however will be hoping that somehow they can keep onto Archer for at least a part of next season too. Goals are guaranteed from this man, and it is exciting to see how his partnership with Emil Riis can develop.