Donyell Malen is poised to make his Premier League debut for Aston Villa this Saturday at the Emirates Stadium, a venue that holds significant personal meaning for the forward. Having grown up in St Albans, just a stone's throw from Arsenal's training facilities, Malen's emotional connection to the ground is palpable. His journey has taken him from the youth ranks of Ajax and Arsenal to a successful spell at Borussia Dortmund, where he was a substitute in last season's Champions League final. Now, his move to Villa represents a pivotal chapter in his career.
Malen's footballing journey began at Ajax, where he joined the youth academy at the tender age of nine. He later moved to Arsenal's youth setup at 16, but despite his talent, he found it challenging to break into the first team. After two years, he made the switch to PSV Eindhoven, where his career truly began to flourish. During his time with Jong PSV, he emerged as a standout player, finishing as the top goalscorer in the under-23 league for the 2017-18 season. Twan Scheepers, his former attacking coach, reflected on his time at Arsenal, stating, “He was at Arsenal doing his thing, a good player but not using all his skills. We gave him directions to make the best of his attributes...his efficiency got better and better.”
Aston Villa's management has long admired Malen's versatility, which allows him to excel in various attacking roles, whether on the wings, as a striker, or in a supporting position. His ability to balance the team's dynamics has not gone unnoticed, with Netherlands national coach Ronald Koeman highlighting Malen’s effectiveness as a right-footer playing on the right side of the pitch.
At Dortmund, Malen developed a strong partnership with fellow Dutch player Ian Maatsen, another summer signing for Villa. With Leon Bailey struggling for form, it is likely that Malen will occupy the right flank, providing a fresh option for Villa’s attacking strategy.
Malen's development as a player has been shaped by numerous influences throughout his career. Brian Tevreden, who coached him in Ajax’s youth ranks, recalled, “Donyell was always one of the top talents...but it was more about understanding how to be a professional.” This foundation has been instrumental in helping him navigate the challenges of elite football.
Despite his struggles at Arsenal, where he scored seven goals in 24 appearances for the under-23s, Malen's time there was not without its lessons. He participated in a pre-season match against Sydney FC in 2017, where he played alongside current Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Former academy manager Andries Jonker noted that Malen's challenges stemmed from fitness issues, while Steve Morrow expressed concerns about his development during that period.
Malen’s upbringing has also played a crucial role in his journey. Born in Wieringen, he was raised by his mother, who worked tirelessly to provide for him while managing her responsibilities. Tevreden remarked on Malen’s resilience, stating, “It was a good step for him to realise how much he had to do.”
As he prepares for his debut at the Emirates, anticipation surrounds Malen’s performance. His most recent match at the venue was a thrilling 4-3 victory for Arsenal's under-23s, where he played an influential role. Scheepers expressed confidence in Malen's mindset, stating, “I think he will be really excited about maybe making his debut there. It will be special for him.”
Recognised for his dedication and competitive spirit, Malen's former PSV manager Roger Schmidt praised him as a “100% team player,” following a season where he netted 27 goals in 45 appearances. This impressive record led Dortmund to invest £30 million in him, underscoring his potential.
As the stage is set for Malen to showcase his skills, the anticipation surrounding his debut is undoubtedly high. Many will be watching closely to see how he impacts the match and contributes to his new team, Aston Villa.