Unai Emery stance on ‘genius’ Youri Tielemans made clear ahead of Aston Villa v Legia Warsaw
Youri Tielemans looks set to start for Aston Villa when the they face Legia Warsaw in a crunch Europa League tie at Villa Park on Thursday evening (30 November).
The Belgium international was put up for the pre-match media duties on Wednesday (29 November), which is usually a clear indicator of a player’s involvement in the game.
If so, it will present Tielemans with an opportunity to stake a claim for consistent starts in the heart of Unai Emery’s midfield, which is stacked full of talent.
Tielemans starred as a half-time substitute in the 2-1 win over Tottenham at the weekend, assisting Ollie Watkins’ winner with some brilliant link-up play.
That was one of two key passes Tielemans played, which was bettered only by John McGinn (three) among Villa players on the day [WhoScored], despite the Belgian only coming on for the second half.
The 26-year-old is a very versatile central midfielder in that he can carry out a number of different roles, but there is no doubt that he comes to life when involved in attacks.
Indeed, as per FBref, Tielemans ranks in the top eight per cent of all midfielders from clubs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months for expected assisted goals per 90 minutes (0.20).
That translates to 0.18 assists per 90 from the past year, the majority of which was spent at Leicester City, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.
Discussing his favoured position at the pre-match presser, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail [30 November], Tielemans said: “It’s about adapting but I think the more you play in this team the more you understand the position.
“I know I have it in my locker to play higher up or as a central midfielder. It doesn’t really matter to me, to be honest.”
When Tielemans has the ball at his feet, he always tries to make something happen, rather than just merely keeping play ticking along. That is highlighted by his 10.5 progressive passes per 90 [FBref] – the most of any Villa player this term.
That metric is defined as a pass that moves the ball at least 10 yards towards the opposition’s goal, which makes him the ideal playmaker to break the lines.
As former Newcastle United ace Philippe Albert said, as per Voetbal Nieuws, Tielemans shows the same “genius” qualities as international colleague Kevin De Bruyne.
“If you manage to recover from such a long dark period with the national team and a start to the season in which you were ignored by your coach, then you show enormous mental strength,” Albert said.
“And when Kevin De Bruyne sends balls like that when he plays, we all jump up and shout what a genius he is.”
Going back to that game against Tottenham, Tielemans registered 41 touches and completed 87% of his passes [Sofascore], a number of those being what you would define as “risky” passes.
A repeat of that performance against Legia and it may well be that Tielemans makes himself undroppable ahead of the return to the bread and butter of the Premier League at the weekend.
In other Aston Villa news, a first-team star’s new-found ability has been outlined by team-mate John McGinn.