Aston Villa are currently enjoying a remarkable resurgence, capturing the attention of fans and pundits alike with their impressive performances. A recent highlight occurred before their match against Everton, where Villa supporters were spotted engaging in lively discussions about tactics with the Prince of Wales at a Wetherspoon's in Birmingham New Street. The Prince, a dedicated Villa fan, was in the city for a critical-care conference, underscoring the club's growing prominence and its connection with the community.
Under the astute management of Unai Emery, Villa have undergone a significant transformation, positioning themselves to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in 41 years. When Emery signed Morgan Rogers from the Championship a year ago, many were sceptical, yet he has emerged as one of the standout players in the Premier League this season, consistently demonstrating his ability to outpace defenders. Equally impressive has been the resurgence of Youri Tielemans, who joined Villa on a free transfer 18 months ago and has exceeded all expectations.
At just 27 years of age, Tielemans has become an integral part of Villa's ambitions this season. His extensive experience in European competitions is noteworthy; he made his Champions League debut at the tender age of 16 with his boyhood club, Anderlecht. With over 500 club appearances and 74 caps for Belgium, his pedigree is indisputable. Despite his free transfer, Tielemans has made a substantial impact, proving to be a crucial figure in Villa's midfield.
As Villa arrived in the rain-soaked Côte d'Azur, Tielemans felt a sense of familiarity, having spent two years in Monaco prior to his £32 million transfer to Leicester City. During his tenure with the Foxes, he played a pivotal role in their FA Cup triumph in 2021, scoring a stunning goal in the final. Although his time at Leicester was marred by relegation, he formed a flourishing partnership with players like James Maddison and Jamie Vardy. Next week, he will face his former manager Brendan Rodgers, now at Celtic, as they visit Villa Park.
Villa's midfield is proving to be a formidable force, and Tielemans has silenced critics who questioned whether he was past his prime. His professionalism and dedication have been pivotal, making his acquisition a significant coup for the club. Emery has praised Tielemans' commitment, stating, "When I met him at his home [before he signed], it was very important to firstly know him as a man... he is always ready to play, he is always focusing on each match, competing 100% to improve, to help the team."
The partnership between Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara, another astute signing from Marseille, has flourished, particularly evident in their recent match against Arsenal, where Tielemans excelled in a more advanced No. 10 role. Kamara, who has attracted interest from elite clubs, is currently valued at around £75 million. Tielemans' contributions this season have been invaluable, with only goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez playing more league minutes for Villa.
Emerging talents such as Rogers and Jacob Ramsey, who is currently recovering from injury, are adding depth to the squad, while veteran John McGinn remains a critical presence in the team. Tielemans showcased his vital role during the match against Arsenal with a brilliant header that sparked Villa's performance, followed by Ollie Watkins' equaliser that lifted the team's spirits.
Emery has highlighted the importance of Tielemans' adaptation to the team, stating, "last year was the adaptation of him... this year I think he is playing consistently and again in a different position." While players like Watkins and Jhon Duran bring flair, it is Tielemans who orchestrates the midfield, a sentiment echoed by Monaco's manager Adi Hütter, who remarked, "Tielemans is the pacemaker in the centre of midfield."
As Villa continue their pursuit of success both domestically and in Europe, the impact of Tielemans on the team's performance cannot be overstated. His contributions are instrumental in Aston Villa's ambitious campaign, and fans are eager to see how far this reinvigorated side can go.