Aston Villa know just how important EFL loans can be for a player's development and they've certainly made the most of them this term.

The Premier League club have players out on loan in all three divisions below the top flight but how have they really done this season?

Below, we take a look...

Cameron Archer – Preston North End

Preston won the race for Cameron Archer in January and what a signing he has proven.

The striker has scored seven times in 17 appearances for Ryan Lowe's side this term – with the North End boss already admitting (Sky Sports (via Deepdale Digest)) that he'd love to strike a fresh deal for the 20-year-old in the upcoming window.

Finn Azaz – Newport County 

Finn Azaz's fantastic season at Newport County hit a fresh high on Sunday evening as he was named in the League Two Team of the Season and won the League Two Young Player of the Season at the EFL Awards.

The 21-year-old had to bide his time a little but has become a vital part of the side – scoring six times and adding seven assists from central midfield.

Louie Barry – Swindon Town

It's very much been a season of two halves for Louie Barry, who endured a difficult first few months on loan at Ipswich Town where he barely got a look in.

The 18-year-old forward was recalled in January and sent out on loan to Swindon Town, where he has enjoyed much more success – scoring five times in 11 appearances in League Two.

Keinan Davis – Nottingham Forest

There was plenty of interest in Keinan Davis ahead of the January window but his move to Nottingham Forest has worked out for all parties involved.

Davis quickly became a vital player as the Reds flew up the table under Steve Cooper – with the forward's link-up play just as impressive as his five goals and two assists.

The 24-year-old is currently sidelined due to injury but could return for the play-offs and looks set for a busy summer with more transfer interest already.

Kaine Kesler – MK Dons

Such were the quality of Kaine Kesler's performances for Swindon Town in the first half of the season that Villa recalled him and sent him to League One promotion contenders MK Dons to further his development.

The 19-year-old has quickly adapted to the step up and has been pretty much ever-present in Liam Manning's side since his arrival.

It will surely be a Championship loan for him next season, that is unless he stays with the first team.

Conor Hourihane – Sheffield United

Conor Hourihane's arrival at Sheffield United coincided with an upturn in form back in September and though he's been a useful option for Paul Heckingbottom to have, he's been a bit-part player – playing less than 1,500 minutes in total.

He'll be hoping to help the Blades secure promotion via the play-offs and with his Villa deal up at the end of the season, he is unlikely to be short of suitors in the Championship in the summer.

Jaden Philogene-Bidace – Stoke City

Another attacker that linked up with a Championship club in January, Jaden Philogene-Bidace impressed early on for Stoke City and has shown the ability to change games in the second tier.

The skillful 20-year-old's progress has been hampered by a knee injury but he's back fit now and will hope to finish 2021/22 with a flourish.

Philogene-Bidace has bagged his first professional goal for the Potters but he's not yet consistent enough to warrant a place in the Villa first team so another Championship loan could well follow in the summer.

Aaron Ramsey – Cheltenham Town

His brother has enjoyed a fantastic season with the Villa first team but 2021/22 has been significant for Aaron Ramsey as well.

The attacking midfielder is getting his first experience of regular senior football after joining Cheltenham Town in January.

Ramsey has bagged one goal and one assist in 14 appearances, with his strong start to life with the Robins impressing manager Michael Duff, who revealed recently he'd love to re-sign him because "He can do things other people can’t."

Jed Steer – Luton Town

Jed Steer has fallen foul of the injury curse on goalkeepers at Luton Town this season as in March he became the latest shot-stopper to suffer an issue.

Steer had made just five appearances for the Hatters, keeping four clean sheets, before picking up a serious Achilles injury.

Tyreik Wright – Colchester United

Tyreik Wright has played his part in the turnaround at Colchester United this season – scoring once in 11 appearances since joining on loan in January.

The forward looks like a player that needs more regular senior football and another loan move should follow this summer.