Donyell Malen makes case to Unai Emery after what ‘poor’ Aston Villa teammate did vs Bologna
Donyell Malen started as Aston Villa secured a 2-1 win against Bologna.
Malen has already been linked with a Villa exit despite only signing in B6 last winter, in what has been a frustrating spell at Villa Park.
Having signed Malen from Borussia Dortmund, with plenty of European pedigree, there will be hope that he can perform at the top level in the Europa League.
This saw the Netherlands international start as Aston Villa secured a 1-0 win against Bologna on Thursday night in the Midlands.
Malen managed to put in a positive performance, something which could give Unai Emery a selection headache moving forward.
Donyell Malen put in positive shift vs Bologna
It is fair to say that the atmosphere around the claret and blue outfit has become more positive after a long-awaited first win of the season.
This even saw Monchi share his delight after his Villa exit earlier in the week, in a shock reshuffle at Villa Park.
It doesn’t appear that it had an effect on the players, considering John McGinn scored the eventual winner after just 13 minutes in B6.
The rest of the performance was largely frustrating, particularly in the second half, but it has to be said that Malen showcased a great attitude against Bologna.
This saw the 26-year-old start up front and maintain a 100 per cent shot accuracy while also completing 88 per cent of his attempted passes.
These can only be seen as plus points, especially after also completing one dribble before taking five touches in the opposition penalty area.
Add to this one tackle and five duels won, and you have an all-action performance that raises a point to Emery ahead of a return to Premier League action.
Donyell Malen could replace Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa
He may not have scored, but the Dutchman showcased a more positive performance than that of Ollie Watkins in his substitute appearance.
| Stat vs Bologna | Ollie Watkins |
| Minutes played | 32 |
| Shot accuracy (%) | 33 |
| Big chances missed | 1 |
| Chances created | 0 |
The Englishman came off the bench and, unfortunately, missed a penalty, having won it all on his own after running in behind the Bologna defence.
Lukasz Skorupski was able to save the 29-year-old’s penalty with his feet easily, sparking Robbie Savage to slam Watkins’ effort live via TNT Sports on 25 September.
He said: “It just wasn’t a confident penalty. The keeper has one foot behind the line, his left foot, and he actually saves it with his left foot. It’s a poor penalty. No confidence at all. Big moment.”
This sums up everything wrong with the ex-Brentford man’s showings right now, something which could see Emery leave him out for upcoming fixtures.
Malen could therefore be afforded a chance to lead the line against Fulham, with Watkins potentially set to be afforded further opportunities off the bench.
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