Graeme Souness ‘big fan’ of Aston Villa star who won’t play again this season
Aston Villa supporters are facing a tough choice when it comes to their vote for player of the season this term.
Unai Emery’s side have had a strong season and need to keep their standards high in the final run of the campaign to secure a top-five finish and another season of Champions League football.
Should the Villans be successful, this will serve as a big boost in the summer transfer window, taking the pressure off when it comes to retaining the best talent.
Graeme Souness praises Youri Tielemans
Having been knocked out of the Champions League and the FA Cup, securing another European finish has become crucial for Aston Villa this season.
With that in mind, the boss needs his strongest squad available for the remainder of the Premier League season to allow for the best opportunity.
However, the West Midlands outfit have been hit by a big blow, picking up some injuries at a big time in the season.
Marcus Rashford has been ruled out for the remainder of the season but, even more crucially, Youri Tieleman’s campaign is over through injury too.
Tielemans has been the subject of plenty of praise throughout the campaign, with his performances being seen as crucial to Villa’s success.
Graeme Souness is no exception either, and argues that his absence could be a massive loss for Emery.
Writing in the Daily Mail (10 May, page five of pull-out), Souness said: “The absence of Youri Tielemans for Aston Villa’s Premier League run-in could be a telling factor in their quest for Champions League qualification.
“He has established himself as the first name on the teamsheet for Unai Emery and his injury couldn’t have come at a worse time.
“He’s a cute and clever passer of the ball who also chips in with vital goals, and I’m a big fan.”
Aston Villa need Champions League football
Success in the Premier League always comes with the risk of losing players and Emery has been reminded of that at Villa Park with the likes of Morgan Rogers linked with a move away from the West Midlands.
Tielemans has caught the eye of many, rightly so, and the boss will be thankful he’s not one of the younger players in his side and is therefore likely to stay put.
If another season of Champions League football can be secured, though, then it would serve as a massive boost when it comes to keeping their best players as well as making the right additions in the summer transfer window.
In the remaining three games of the campaign, Villa don’t have to face any rivals for a top-five spot.
| Game | Date |
| Bournemouth (A) | 10 May |
| Tottenham (H) | 16 May |
| Manchester United (A) | 25 May |
Furthermore, with Tottenham and Manchester United likely to have their minds set on the Europa League final, whether that’s ahead of the game or facing a hangover from the final, Villa may feel good about their chances.
Nevertheless, Emery needs to make sure his side keeps their levels high and does all they can to play European football once more.