Ezri Konsa must be flawless in Aston Villa v Olympiacos after what Agbonlahor said on Thursday
Ezri Konsa has become an integral part of Unai Emery’s set up and that will be no different as Aston Villa prepare to take on Olympiacos on Thursday (2 May).
The Villans could be just 180 minutes away from reaching the Europa Conference League final, having narrowly bypassed Lille on the penalties in the quarter-final.
With a front three of Konstantinos Fortounis, Ayoub El Kaabi and Daniel Podence, Emery’s defence will be on high alert as Olympiacos travel to Villa Park for the first leg.
In both of their European ties against Fenerbache in the previous round, Olympiacos had 39 per cent possession but were still able to unleash 13 and 12 shots, respectively. [FotMob]
Keeping this in mind, 26-year-old Konsa could be vital for stopping the counterattack and helping build attacks from the backline for Villa, and Gabby Agbonlahor certainly agrees.
Speaking live via talkSPORT on Thursday (2 May, 9:54am), he said: “Most underrated player? I’d say Konsa – he’s been outstanding. It took Southgate a while but he finally called him up for his England debut.
“He can also fill in at right-back as well. He’s great on the ball, aggressive, quick and can score a goal as well – he’s been one of the stars of the season.”
Ezri Konsa must have positive impact in Aston Villa v Olympiacos
With a 93 per cent pass accuracy average in the Premier League this season, Konsa has been vital to the way Villa play under Emery, especially when it comes to moving the ball forward. [FotMob]
As per FBref, the centre-back ranks in the top 78 percentile for progressive carries and the top 90 percentile for successful take-ons among defenders in Europe’s top five leagues.
This could have a telling impact against the Greek side, especially if the Villans are to keep the majority of control against a well-drilled team, who are capable of hitting on the break.
Konsa has also accumulated 65 clearances and 27 interceptions in the Premier League this season, as per FotMob, which was key in the second leg against Lille.
He won 100 per cent of his tackles, 100 per cent of his ground and aerial duels, and made five clearances and two recoveries, as per FotMob. Though few have been surprised by his development under Emery’s guidance, it has been incredible to see so many differences so quickly.
They are a set of absolutely flawless statistics, especially in the quarter-final of the Europa Conference League, and fans will be praying for more of the same on Thursday night.
In other Aston Villa news, one defender could be axed in two changes against Olympiacos.
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