Aston Villa: Jacob Tanswell raves about Youri Tielemans v Sheff United
Jacob Tanswell was impressed by Youri Tielemans against Sheffield United as the Aston Villa man was handed his sixth Premier League start of the season on Saturday.
The 26-year-old rocketed home an effort after a corner was half-cleared by Ben Brereton Diaz, rattling the underside of the crossbar on the way past Wesley Foderingham.
The Athletic’s Tanswell was wowed by the midfielder’s long-range effort from just inside the penalty area, writing for the website on Saturday (3 February) that the kiss off the crossbar added an “aesthetic finish” to the goal.
Best pick of the bunch for Aston Villa
With Emery’s men netting five times throughout the game, there was a lot of competition for the best goal but Tielemans might have just about squeaked it.
Leon Bailey also scored from a similar position, bending a beautiful effort around the ‘keeper and into the side netting. However, the crossbar hit from Tielemans could help him take the award.
In just his sixth league start of the campaign, the former Leicester City man helped run the show, alongside the ever-impressive Douglas Luiz and ever-dependable Boubacar Kamara.
Tielemans kept his 100 per cent shot accuracy throughout 81 minutes on the pitch, with both efforts hitting the target. Foderingham was able to keep one of them from hitting the back of the net, though. [FotMob]
With an xG of just 0.17, his goal on the half-hour mark helped him to overperform in the shooting aspect of his game. Not only did the midfielder have an eye for goal, but he also maintained an impressive 82 per cent pass completion rate.
Tielemans was also getting stuck into challenges in midfield, despite playing off the shoulder of striker Ollie Watkins. Although he failed to register a tackle and lost 100 per cent of his ground duels, he won 100 per cent of his aerial duels, even despite his small stature.
A new permanent starter for Unai Emery?
The Belgian is quickly becoming a vital part of Emery’s system, having only played a major role in Villa’s Europa Conference League campaign at the start of the season rather than making any impact in the Premier League.
It will become much more difficult for the Villa boss to choose his starting XI, especially considering the danger in attack that Moussa Diaby can bring. Jacob Ramsey was also unable to find a spot in the team from the start, coming on as a second-half substitute instead.
While he may only have six goal contributions in all competitions, Tielemans’ impact is so much more than just goals and assists, showcasing this with two chances created and seven passes into the final third. [FotMob]
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