Unai Emery picks out Aston Villa star enjoying ‘best season of his career’ for special praise
Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Wolves by Aston Villa, who are still vying for the Champions League, saw Ezri Konsa score his first goal in more than two years.
After having the best week ever, Ezri Konsa was publicly congratulated.
The defender was rewarded for turning down the opportunity to play for Portugal by making his debut for England during the international break. He also scored his first goal since December 2021 to cap off the week, however it was a dinked cross that floated over Wolves custodian Jose Sa from a tight angle.
“Did I mean it?,” the 26-year-old exclaimed. Yes, without a doubt. That’s my objective because, whether it was a cross or not, I meant it. I recall having my last one in Leicester City, at home.
“I believe there’s more to come from me. Since the boss has come in, I’ve grown a lot, as a player and a man I want to continue learning and improving under him.”
Emery’s default attitude is that he is never pleased, hence he does not give out praise lightly. But since the Spaniard joined the team, the man has been Mr. Reliable at both full-back and center-half, so it would have been hard to find too much criticism with him.
Konsa has made excellent development, he stated. He is improving both offensively and defensively. Today was a really nice illustration of his quality and capacity to give us more.
“Of course, he’s playing with the national team now and being consistent more than before. It’s his first experience this year playing in Europe with us in Conference League.
“I think it’s his best moment in his career individually and collectively. But as his manager I’m going to push him. I want him to get better. That’s why I’m demanding.
In a related development:
In order for the club to reward itself after an incredible season and make a significant leap into the elite the next season, that fourth place is crucial.
The fact that Aston Villa’s 2-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday came just hours after Tottenham, who are currently in fifth position, defeated Luton Town, undoubtedly helped.
According to Peter Schmeichel, Villa’s victory over their Midlands rivals was “very convincing,” and the team appears “very solid.”
The storied goalie continued, saying that Emery “always” has someone on his team who can “change the game.” He made this statement on MatchDay Extra on Premier League Productions on March 30, 24 at 11:05 p.m.
With his thundering opener that set the tone for the first half of the match, Moussa Diaby stole the show over the weekend.
To honour Emiliano Martinez for his “massive, massive save” in the first half, Schmeichel wanted to offer the 31-year-old his flowers.
The first goalkeeper for Aston Villa denied Rayan Ait Nouri a goal from close range while the game was scoreless.
When complimenting his old team on their quest for Champions League football, Schmeichel made care to emphasise how important that turn out to be.
Emiliano Martinez helps Aston Villa beat Wolves
“It was very, very convincing,” said Schmeichel about Villa’s win over Wolves. “Aston Villa, they look very solid.
“In that team, they have got someone who can change the game for them at all times. We saw the goalkeeper (Ait Nouri save), it’s the reason why he is a world champion. It was a massive, massive save. Wolves could have gone 1-0 up and that probably would have changed the game.
“They have so many great players, but they aren’t the superstars.”
Up next: Manchester City
One bright spot is that the club will be ready to play Manchester City on Wednesday night when they go to the Etihad.
Villa may benefit from the absence of pressure because many will be expecting them to lose.
With a hamstring injury that caused him to be substituted out against Wolves, Ollie Watkins’ supporters are waiting to see if he will start.
However, you just hope Emery goes all out and strives for the win, instead of playing for a draw, as Arsenal did against Man City on Sunday, whoever does play.
