Froggatt was born in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Youth team coach Dave Richardson poached schoolboy player Froggatt from his old club Leicester. Froggatt began his career Aston Villa as a trainee, before turning professional and making his debut for the team in 1991. He truly established himself during the first Premier League season of 1992–93 as he made 21 appearances, scoring his first goal (against Crystal Palace) in the process, helping the club to end as runners-up. Villa won the League Cup in 1994 and although Froggatt was not part of the squad for the final he played in the semi-final first leg against Tranmere Rovers. He also won recognition from the England U21s, earning two caps during this season.