Youri Tielemans must take Aston Villa opportunity as Leander Dendoncker gets set for Villa Park exit

Wed 24 January 2024 14:40, UK

Following the news that Leander Dendoncker looks set to join Napoli on loan, via Fabrizio Romano, Youri Tielemans has been presented with an opportunity to shine at Aston Villa.

The Belgian must take this opportunity, having started just 11 of his 25 matches for the Villans so far this season, but appearing as an important player in several cameos.

Tielemans proved his quality when he started against Manchester City at the beginning of December, assisting the only goal of the game in a vital 1-0 victory over the current Premier League champions.

Starting as an attacking midfielder, supporting Ollie Watkins in the final third, the 26-year-old maintained a 77 per cent passing completion against one of the best teams in world football, completing 100 per cent of his dribbles, as well as aerial duels won. [FotMob]

If Tielemans can do this against the current treble holders, Aston Villa should be able to depend on him a lot more than they currently do. And without Dendoncker for Unai Emery to fall back on as the first substitute, he needs to be pushing for more minutes on the pitch.

Despite his lack of playing time, Tielemans has created two big chances and six chances for Villa, as well as completing 0.8 dribbles per 90 minutes – the same as Douglas Luiz and Watkins. [FotMob]

Tieleman’s impact from the bench is also unmatched. He averages 1.1 interceptions per 90 minutes, the fourth-highest in the squad, but is also ranked the sixth-highest for fouls committed, showing his determination to be involved.