Raf Crommentuijn flew to Birmingham on Thursday after agreeing to extend his trial at Aston Villa, according to Sportclub Susteren’s official Twitter account.
The Dutch youth club confirmed that their 16-year-old goalkeeper was set to play for the Villains in a youth team game against Fulham on Thursday, and shared a picture of him in the press room at Villa Park.
GROOT NIEUWS! Onze keeper van SCS JO-17 heeft al een positieve stageweek gehad bij @astonvilla en vliegt morgen weer naar Birmingham om een wedstrijd mee te spelen tegen Fulham!
Lees snel meer –>> https://t.co/i7WOv8msq1 pic.twitter.com/DdzAyVFDXe
— Sportclub Susteren (@ScSusteren) March 7, 2018
SC Susteren also revealed via an official statement on their website that Steve Bruce’s side had been monitoring Crommentuijn for a while, as a Villans scout had been to watch him over the last few months.
The highly-rated teenager was on trial at the Villans last week and played against Leicester’s Under-16s.
Crommentuijn put in an impressive display against the Foxes’ youth team during his side’s 4-2 win over them, as he even managed to save a penalty during the game.
OPINION
Little is known about Crommentuijn, but having featured for the Villans’ youth side against Leicester City, the goalkeeper surely must have proved his talent. The Villans are no doubt aware of the importance of building up the club’s youth system as it’s a great way to cut down spending in the transfer market. The Villans would love to be able to produce several first-team quality players themselves, and know that they must scout the world for the finest raw talent. With Crommentuijin being watched by a scout ahead of being offered a trial, the Villans are certainly doing their homework about any potential new signing in order to get the best possible players at the club.