Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 2 February 1991
Previous Clubs: -
Position: Striker

Nathan Delfouneso joined Villa's Academy during the 2006/07 season. On 19 March 2007, he made his debut at the second team level at the age of 16, playing upfront alongside Luke Moore, in a 3-0 win over Arsenal Reserves. In June 2007, Villa offered Nathan a contract with a view to a professional deal as soon as he reached the age of 17.

Delfouneso's mentor Gordon Cowans was quoted in the Birmingham Post on 5 June 2007: "Nathan has showed a lot of potential and is a competent member of our under-16 side as well as a regular with England [Under 16] where he has made a big impression. We have signed him up and he will be joining us as a pro next season. He is due to leave school in the next few weeks and we hope to have him on board full time this summer.”

On 6 February 2008, it was announced on Villa's official website that Nathan, having just turned 17, had signed his first professional contract, keeping him at the club until June 2010. He was also given the No.14 shirt number in the first team squad. So far during the 2007/08 season (as at 6 February 2008), Nathan has made three full appearances for the reserves and eight substitute appearances, scoring 2 goals. At Academy Under 18 level, he has scored 12 goals this season. Martin O’Neill is quoted as saying: "It's a matter of keeping his feet on the ground but he does seem like he is a level headed young man. He can play though - make no mistake";

[Frank Antram]