Aston Villa youngster has turned lots of heads after his form in the UEFA Super Cup last night despite his team’s defeat.
Aston Villa’s hope of lifting another trophy and keeping their positive record in continental finals might have failed following their 2-1 loss in the UEFA Super Cup. Yet, their display in Salzburg kept their heads held high as they were simply unlucky not to be able to win the game.
Unai Emery’s side played with an incomplete first-team starting XI due to the absence of their three key men featuring at the World Cup, Ezri Konsa, Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins. However, they still managed to match PSG’s form and one name really stole the spotlight. Villa’s youngster Brian Madjo repaid his boss’ trust as he got the nod in the line-up ahead of Tammy Abraham. He scored an equaliser just a few seconds before the interval.
The 17-year-old striker earned Emery’s praise as reported by BBC.
“He played because he was showing us his capacity to work and be demanding,” said boss Emery. “It is not just about scoring goals, it’s about defending and how he has the commitment and discipline tactically. He was doing that.
“I wanted to play with young players and watch their progression. Brian started scoring goals [in pre-season] against Walsall and Real Sociedad.
Madjo’s form in the game was notable to watch. He had three chances to score in the first half before eventually finding the back of the net. Two of his headers flew wide and high, while another attempt was also off target.
The former Luxembourg international had six shots in total and 27 touches. He completed 14 passes and created two key passes during the game but also got dispossessed twice before being replaced by Tammy Abraham.
Overall, it was a fine performance in his official debut at the top level after CAS ruled out FIFA regulations on his peculiar transfer condition. Madjo also set the record as the youngest scorer in UEFA Super Cup history at the age of 17 years and 212 days, breaking Patrick Kluivert’s record, which was set at the age of 19 in the 1995 edition.
Aston Villa probably slumped to a defeat without an expected silverware in hand, but they should be proud of their form. Villa had been dangerous almost throughout the game. In fact, they had more chances to score. Apart from Madjo’s missed attempts, John McGinn and Co. created more opportunities, including from the skipper himself and another youngster, George Hemmings. Unfortunately, three of them were denied by PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov.
Overall, The Lions made 15 shots, which was three more than PSG. It is worth mentioning that this was like the B team of The Clarets and Blue. Besides playing without Martinez, Watkins and Konsa, they still managed to pose a series of threats in the final third.
Villa’s record signing, Johan Manzambi, was not able to play due to his recovery from a knee injury, whereas Chelsea loanee Alejandro Garnacho was ruled out from taking to the pitch due to advice to follow the head concussion protocol. It forced him to remain on the sidelines as he could not get clearance to play.
On the contrary, Luis Enrique’s men could still field Achraf Hakimi, Joao Neves, Vitinha, William Pacho, Desire Doue, Marquinhos and, last but not least, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele. So, the fans should be optimistic as Villa already look deadly even with the reserve team. They kept fighting until the final whistle, but lady luck was not on their side.
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