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Aston Villa’s latest European hero may not be the loudest voice in the dressing room — but Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba has just made sure everyone knows his name.
Described as “shy and nervous” by team-mate Morgan Rogers, the 19-year-old teenager announced himself on the European stage with a dramatic late winner that sealed Villa’s thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday night.
The goal helped Unai Emery’s side finish second in the Europa League league phase and sent Villa Park into raptures.
A Moment to Remember at Villa Park
With Aston Villa struggling and trailing 2-0 early in the second half — and striker Ollie Watkins forced off with a first-half hamstring injury — Emery’s men needed inspiration.
They found it from the bench.
Jimoh-Aloba, who only made his Premier League debut last month, was introduced in the 66th minute. After goals from Morgan Rogers and Tyrone Mings hauled Villa level, the teenager delivered the decisive moment — a composed finish just three minutes from time.
At the final whistle, midfielder Amadou Onana pushed Jimoh-Aloba towards the Holte End, where the youngster was met with a wall of cheers and celebratory fist bumps from the home crowd.
“It’s a proud moment for me on my European debut,” Jimoh-Aloba told TNT Sports.
“It’s really nice to make my family proud. I’ve had a lot of lows and a lot of highs this season, but this is right at the top. My mum is in the stand somewhere.”
‘I’ve Taken a Shine to Him’ – Morgan Rogers
Jimoh-Aloba’s match-winning moment was especially appreciated by Morgan Rogers, who knows the youngster well from their time together in West Bromwich Albion’s academy.
Speaking to punch Newspaper Rogers praised both his talent and mentality:
“It’s a really nice moment for him. He works hard in training and gives his all.
He’s probably a bit shy and nervous more than I’d like, but he shows his quality every day.”
Rogers believes maturity will bring consistency:
“We know he’s got the ability — it’s about applying himself. Sometimes as a young player you can lose focus. I was the same.
He was fully locked in when he came on, and that’s what you want.”
“I’ve taken a shine to him. He’s a really nice kid and we all want him to do well.”
Emery Backs Villa’s Young Talent
With Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans all sidelined through injury, Unai Emery was forced to lean on youth.
Eighteen-year-old George Hemmings made his full Villa debut, while academy graduate Kadan Young also featured from the bench.
Emery was delighted with their contribution:
“It’s very important to give young players chances to show their progress,” the Villa boss said.
“They did a very good job. We have a plan for them — to protect them, help them develop, and integrate them step by step.”
“Training every day with us and playing in official matches like this is vital. Everything we did tonight was fantastic.”
Who Is Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba?
- Joined Aston Villa from West Bromwich Albion in 2023 at the age of 16
- England Under-16 and Under-17 international
- Made his senior debut in the Carabao Cup win over Wycombe in September 2024
- Included in Villa’s Premier League squad against Leicester a year ago
- Signed a long-term contract in October 2024
- Helped Villa lift the FA Youth Cup, scoring in the final against Manchester City
- Made his Premier League debut last month in the 4-1 defeat at Arsenal
- Also featured in the Carabao Cup loss to Brentford
A Star Beginning to Shine
Quiet off the pitch, composed on it — Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba’s journey is only just beginning. If Thursday night was any indication, Aston Villa may have uncovered another gem from their academy pipeline — one who lets his football do the talking.
