A look at the performances of Aberdeen's loanees during a weekend off
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The recent weekend off for Aberdeen’s first team, due to the League Cup final, provided an excellent opportunity to assess the performances of several players currently on loan. With a mix of outcomes, the spotlight was particularly on Alfie Bavidge, who had a breakout performance in the Championship.
Alfie Bavidge’s breakthrough moment
Alfie Bavidge, an 18-year-old forward, made headlines by scoring his first two Championship goals during his 11th league appearance for Ayr United. Coming on as a substitute at halftime, Bavidge quickly made an impact, netting his first goal in the 60th minute after a blocked shot from teammate Connor McLennan.
Just ten minutes later, he added a second with a well-placed header from a cross by Nick McAllister.
Reflecting on his performance, Bavidge expressed his joy, stating, “Scoring goals is my favourite thing to do, especially in a big game like this.” His contributions have been significant, and he has started three matches for Ayr, showcasing his potential as a rising star from Aberdeen’s Youth Academy.
Mixed fortunes for other loanees
While Bavidge shone, other loanees had varied experiences. Duncan, 20, played the first half for Queen’s Park in their 2-1 loss to Hamilton Accies. Primarily utilized as a left midfielder, he has made 21 appearances this season, contributing one goal. His versatility has been an asset, but he will need to find consistency as he approaches the final year of his contract with Aberdeen.
Meanwhile, Emslie, Marshall, and Lobban were part of Cove Rangers’ squad for their League One draw against Kelty. Emslie, 19, started the match and has been a key player for Cove, scoring four goals and providing three assists this season. His near-miss off the crossbar in the first half highlighted his potential to change games. Both Marshall and Lobban came on as substitutes, continuing to gain valuable experience in the league.
Other notable performances and challenges
McKenzie, 19, was absent from Montrose’s squad for their 2-1 victory over Alloa Athletic but has made ten starts this season, establishing himself as a reliable defender. In contrast, Wilson, 18, played the full match for Keith in the Highland League but faced a tough 5-0 defeat against Banks o’ Dee. His fellow loanee, Brendan Hamilton, missed out on action due to a frozen pitch.
Lastly, Jensen, 28, is currently sidelined with Vejle Boldklub due to Denmark’s winter break. His time in the Superliga has been challenging, and recent analyses have scrutinized his performance at the club, indicating a need for improvement as he seeks to regain his form.
Overall, the weekend provided a mixed bag of results for Aberdeen’s loanees, with standout performances from Bavidge and Emslie, while others continue to navigate their respective challenges in various leagues.
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