Ezri Konsa opens up on Unai Emery’s influence after achieving Aston Villa landmark
Ezri Konsa was named as captain for the first time in an Aston Villa starting lineup against Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday.
The Aston Villa centre-back has been a stalwart at Villa Park since he joined from Brentford in July 2019.
Konsa made his 200th Premier League appearance for Villa when he played in their comeback win against Tottenham in October.
Aston Villa beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-0 in the Europa League, as Konsa was at the heart of another fantastic defensive performance from the Villans, but this time as the skipper.
Unai Emery has now been hailed in a recent interview by Konsa, as the defender continues to go from strength to strength at B6.
Ezri Konsa hopes to be coached by Unai Emery for a long time yet
Konsa has come a long way since arriving at Villa Park, and has now made 16 appearances for England.
Konsa spoke to TNT Sports Football after the game against Tel Aviv, as he touched on what Emery has done for him individually and the opportunity to be Villa captain.
Konsa said: “We have a fantastic captain in John McGinn, but I have to take responsibility when he’s not on the pitch.
“Since [Emery’s] come in, I’ve understood football a bit more. I’ve looked at football differently. I really enjoy working with him, and long may it continue.”
All signs are pointing towards Konsa and Emery remaining at Villa Park for much longer.
Ezri Konsa can be Aston Villa’s future captain
Konsa has already made nine Premier League appearances this season and appears to be a regular first-choice for Emery on matchday.
Villa are hopeful of winning the Europa League after suffering heartbreak in the Champions League last campaign, as Konsa will undoubtedly play a huge part in any success seen this season.
- Konsa has made 252 appearances in total for the Villans
- He has scored 10 times for Villa
- Konsa is contracted to the club until 2026
McGinn just signed a contract extension at Villa, but the captain does not have many seasons left in his legs, meaning Konsa could soon get a huge honour.
When McGinn eventually retires, the stage is set for Konsa to take the armband, but Emery first needs to focus on tying his centre-back down to a new deal soon.
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