‘Open your eyes’ – Alan Brazil can’t believe what Gabby Agblonahor claimed about Aston Villa star
Aston Villa were very poor ahead of the international break.
Villa lost 3-0 against Crystal Palace last time out in a performance that was reminiscent of the relegation campaign of 2015/16.
This saw Gabby Agbonlahor slam Villa fans for their reaction against Palace after a general lack of support for Unai Emery’s side in the latter stages in B6.
As a result, the international break arguably came at an ideal time for the Villans, something which has allowed both Youri Tielemans and Matty Cash to shine for their countries.
With that being said, it is another international star from the Midlands who has caught the eye of Agbonlahor, not that Alan Brazil is convinced.
Gabby Agbonlahor backs Ezri Konsa to start for England
With no Premier League action, supporters are now awaiting Thomas Tuchel’s side to rock up and face Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday, 6 September.
There will be hope to see Villa star Ezri Konsa feature despite being overlooked for England previously, despite his positive form in claret and blue.
Konsa has been one of the most consistently excellent defenders at club and international level in recent years, but he truly doesn’t get the wider acclaim he deserves.
| Stat per 90 (Premier League 24/25) | Ezri Konsa |
| Successful passes | 1523.0 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 93.3 |
| Tackles won | 18 |
| Duels won | 120 |
| Fouls won | 47 |
This hasn’t been lost on former Villa forward Agbonlahor, who told talkSPORT on 5 September that the 27-year-old should start for the Three Lions in upcoming qualifiers.
He said: “I want to see a centre-half pairing that can play games together, that’s the most important part for me in these two games. I’m saying Konsa.
“I know Stones is a very good player with loads of experience for England, but he has injury problems, and Konsa plays every game for Aston Villa, so I’d go Konsa and Guehi.”
It is fair to say that Brazil disagreed with his co-host, snapping back: “Villa are struggling at the moment. Gabby, open your eyes.”
Ezri Konsa is mr consistent for Aston Villa
He may have been sent off against Newcastle, but the blame doesn’t fully sit with the centre-back, as terrible play elsewhere put him in a compromised position.
This was a rare blotch on a largely excellent record, which has seen the Englishman become one of Villa’s best central defenders of the modern era.
Having been signed for little over £12million, there aren’t many better bargains for such consistent operators out there right now.
Konsa has been superb ever since Emery came through the doors and is no doubt deserving of a regular spot in the England side under Tuchel, regardless of Brazil’s view.
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