Ezri Konsa signs new long-term Aston Villa contract
Ezri Konsa has been rewarded for his impressive performances in an Aston Villa shirt with a new long-term contract.
The Villans confirmed the news on their official website on Wednesday [20 September], but did not state when the new deal will expire.
Either way, Villa’s defence looks well stocked for years to come with Konsa – who joined from Brentford in July 2019 – committing to fresh terms ahead of his peak years.
Konsa’s 450 minutes of Premier League action this season is the most of any Villa player [WhoScored].
In fact, he has started all seven of the Villans matches this season, making him Unai Emery’s most relied upon player.
The uncapped England international has stood out in a number of defensive metrics this season, with no Villa player managing more tackles per 90 minutes in the Premier League (2.6), more clearances per 90 (2.4) or blocks per 90 (0.8) [WhoScored].
Konsa has also showed his quality on the ball, having completed 93.3% of his passes this season – again the most among all Villa players.
The 25-year-old has carried his strong form from the end of last season into this one, with his figures across the past 12 months comparable to some of the biggest names on the continent.
Indeed, according to FBref’s player comparison tool, Konsa shares many similarities to Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinhos.
For example, they complete a similar number of passes (93% for Konsa, 96% for Marquinhos) and complete a near identical number of clearances per 90 (2.60 v 2.58 respectively).
This is not to put any unnecessary weight on the Villa man’s shoulders, but at a time in which the club are able to splash out £32million on a new centre-back, Konsa has showed he is more than capable of playing his part under Emery.
In other Aston Villa news, the Villans’ next Premier League opponents look set to have a couple of first-team players back in time for their showdown.