Youri Tielemans proves Tim Sherwood wrong in Aston Villa win v Southampton
Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans hit back at Tim Sherwood with his performance in the 1-0 win over Southampton on Saturday.
The former Villa manager stated that compared to last season, Tielemans has undergone a decline this term, but his performance against the Saints was effective at Villa Park on 7 December.
Starting alongside Boubacar Kamara in midfield and playing the opening 59 minutes, Tielemans was disruptive in defence and a key link in attack as Unai Emery’s side saw out a narrow victory.
Speaking on Sky Sports News (7 December, 3:44pm), Sherwood had said: “Youri Tielemans has tailed off this season.”
Youri Tielemans back at his best for Aston Villa v Southampton
Regardless of what Sherwood thinks about Tielemans’ impact this season, the Belgian remains one of the main cogs in Emery’s starting XI and made his 19th start against the Saints.
With the ball at his feet, Tielemans was effective as ever, completing 90 per cent of his passes and creating two chances from five final-third passes to accumulate 0.12 expected assists in total [FotMob].
While the 27-year-old failed to fire off a single shot having had zero touches in the Southampton box, Tielemans was even more effective out of possession, completing five ball recoveries and a tackle.
Though that successful tackle was one of three attempts, it contributed towards four defensive actions in total from Tielemans, who won a further 57 per cent of his seven overall ground duels [FotMob].
Winning a single corner as Villa pushed for a second goal following Jhon Duran’s first-half winner, Tielemans saw one of two crosses find their target before his withdrawal for Ross Barkley on the hour.
He may be yet to show the same kind of verve and fluidity which proved to be a revelation for Villa last season, but Tielemans is still doing more than enough to justify his ever-present status for Emery’s side.
In other Aston Villa news, Monchi is expecting a busy January transfer window with reinforcements in two positions eyed.
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