Aston Villa have the new Emi Martinez right under their noses after Tuesday development
Aston Villa may have a new alternative to Emi Martinez after Oliwier Zych stood out in a penalty shootout win against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Trophy.
The Young Lions travelled to the ToughSheet Community Stadium on Tuesday 8 October with little expectation against the League One side.
Shockingly, Trai-Varn Mulley gave the Villans the lead against the run of play in the first half, heading home a superb Bradley Burrowes cross.
It was a blow after going so long without conceding that Victor Adeboyejo scored a late leveller to send the clash to penalties.
The goalkeeper made two penalty saves which ultimately sent the away side on their way to a win against League One opposition.
Oliwier Zych shines for Aston Villa under 21s v Bolton Wanderers
The Polish youngster spent last season on loan with Puszcza Niepolomice and has spent time among the Villa first team and that first-team experience has clearly served him well.
Bolton dominated the ball throughout and had the better of the chances, having 71 per cent possession which led to 23 shots and 14 corner kicks [SofaScore].
This didn’t lead to anything in the first half, but after the interval, Ian Evatt’s side were able to turn their chances into just one goal.
The Villa keeper didn’t deserve this after making nine saves throughout the clash with a 90 per cent save rate, a truly remarkable stat which left the League One forwards frustrated.
Unai Emery will have been pleased to see the 20-year-old look comfortable with the ball at his feet as he had 48 touches, completing 26 passes with a 55 per cent accuracy.
Although that may not be the greatest ratio, there was a high press from the home side which made things difficult from the outset.
Zych wasn’t afraid to come out of his box either as he made one clearance and one interception which the first-team ace Martinez loves to do as well.
Like the Argentina star, the goalkeeper was superb from the penalty spot, saving two, to cap off a superb nights work.
There was a lot to like about the youngster’s performance which will do him the world of good in Emery’s eyes moving forward.
In other Aston Villa news, ‘Really great’ had a positive impact on his side in his Villa return against Manchester United.
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