Youri Tielemans crunch talks with Unai Emery emerge as Aston Villa star speaks out, BBC pundit reacts
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton believes Youri Tielemans has to fight for his spot in the Aston Villa starting line-up after it emerged that he’s worried about his lack of game time.
Since joining the Villans on a free transfer from Leicester City in the summer, 26-year-old Tielemans has started just one of six competitive games in the Premier League and Europa Conference League.
On 8 September, Tielemans spoke to Belgian news outlet DH Les Sports, saying that he’s already spoken to Unai Emery about his lack of game-time since swapping the East Midlands for the West.
“This situation is not pleasant,” said Tielemans. “I told the manager that I came to Villa to play. He understands me, but at the moment, he prefers to play with his two midfielders from last season.
“He told me that soon the matches will come one after the other and I will have more playing time.
“I know this answer doesn’t help me move forward, but what should I do? Whenever I have an opportunity, I want to take it.”
Hutton believes Tielemans need to stay patient, work hard and play well because eventually, his chance in the side should come.
“It’s up to Tielemans to prove he’s better than who’s playing at the moment,” Hutton told Villa News.
“He has been on the bench a lot – he hasn’t started in the Premier League yet.
“It’s up to him to use those opportunities when he’s come on to show the manager what he’s asking.
“Emery has got a steady midfield in terms of them playing a lot together and he doesn’t really change that department too much. He’s quite happy with Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara.
“Tielemans has to force his way in and it was never going to be easy.
“Villa did really well last season so it’s up to him to prove he can be a regular starter.”
In other Aston Villa news, the club has made a Manchester City-esque transfer shift after a deal of “pure profit” was completed.