18-year-old Aston Villa striker, Louie Barry, has joined League One side, Ipswich Town on loan. Sunderland were also in for the teenager but Barry’s preference was to go to Ipswich.
The forward is now to be given the chance to prove himself at senior level and gain experience. Ipswich manager, Paul Cook, has got his man to lead ‘The Tractor Boys’ back to the Championship.
Louie Barry Joins Ipswich Town on Loan
✍️ Welcome to Town, Louie Barry!#itfc pic.twitter.com/ZECZubYgPC
— Ipswich Town FC (@IpswichTown) August 6, 2021
Talented Prospect
The young striker began his youth career with West Brom, before securing a dream move to Barcelona in July 2019. In doing so, Barry became the first English player to join the coveted ‘La Masia’ academy. Here, he formed part of the U19 league winning side before deciding to move closer to home, with Aston Villa securing his services.
On his return to Aston Villa, he made a name for himself in January of this year, by scoring against a full strength Liverpool side in the FA Cup as Villa started a full U23 team due to a Covid-19 outbreak. Liverpool may have won the game 4-1, but Barry certainly made spectators stand up and take notice.
In last season’s FA Youth Cup, Barry was a stand out player for Aston Villa’s youth side. His five goals and four assists throughout the tournament led Villa to a cup win by beating Liverpool in the final. Barry is also reliable on a consistent basis; scoring 20 goals in 26 games across all competitions. Ipswich will be hoping that he hits the ground running and gets off the mark quickly.
What Ipswich will be getting in Barry is a driven young man who wants to make an impact. Ability alone, he plays ahead of his years. He is quick, even with the ball at his feet, and loves getting a shot away. Pulling on the back line of defences and looking to get into one-on-one situations, he will cause many a headache to League One defenders.
Villa’s Development Plan
A move for Barry to Ipswich will go far in the player’s development. It is clear that his impact at youth-level is something sensational. Should he transform this into consistent performances at a senior-level, then Villa will have a serious player on their hands.
This lesson in development will come naturally to Villa, after their former club-captain Jack Grealish; who has now signed for Manchester City, improved so much when on loan at Notts County in the 2013/14 season. Barry and Villa will be hopeful that his move to Ipswich gets him on the same track to the first team, a way paved by the likes of Grealish.
It looks like Barry will not be the only youth player leaving Villa in this summer window. There is also talk of Jacob Ramsey and Brad Young being loaned out to gain regular first-team football and adjust to fit Villa’s growing squad. Having signed Emi Buendía, Ashley Young, Leon Bailey and now Danny Ings; they are going to have to move on fringe players and the likes of Louie Barry, Ramsey and Young will be hopeful of getting to play on a consistent basis.
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