Troy Deeney makes controversial claim about 'unbelievable' Aston Villa ace Johan Manzambi

Troy Deeney has heralded Aston Villa's Johan Manzambi for the "aura and humbleness" he's shown.

Since signing from Freiburg in the summer, the midfielder has been a revelation at Villa Park.

Having lost Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, many Villains fans were understandably sceptical over the club's ability to replace him straight away.

But in the versatile Swiss international, Unai Emery looks to have been handed a player who is absolutely ready to step into Rogers' shoes.

At just 21-years old, Villa's number 44 evidently has a very bright future ahead of him, which should take him right to the very top of the game.

Despite this, it needs to be stressed that this isn't a one-man Aston Villa side with results being entirely dependent on Manzambi.

What did Troy Deeney say about Johan Manzambi?

There are very few players in the Premier League playing better football than Manzambi is right now, with two goals and two assists from his four games.

Per FotMob, he's averaging 4.90 shots, 0.70 assists and goals, 1.75 successful dribbles and 2.45 chances created per 90 minutes in the top flight.

As such, keeping him fit and firing will be essential to Villa's success this season.

Writing for his BBC Sport team of the week segment, Deeney has included Manzambi in it, while also making a very bold claim in the process.

"By far the player of the month so far," the former Birmingham City and Watford striker said.

"An unbelievable young talent from Switzerland, 21 years of age, carrying this Aston Villa team with an aura and humbleness of 'I want to learn and do more'.

"But also, 'I'm the man of this team, give me the ball, let me show you what I can do'."

Deeney is largely spot on with his assessment here, but to say Manzambi is "carrying" Aston Villa right now is to go slightly over the top.

Three Aston Villa players who deserve their flowers too

Manzambi may be the poster boy of this Aston Villa team, but he's far from the entire picture.

Nicolas Jackson is playing superbly well, averaging 2.49 successful dribbles, playing 3.65 line-breaking passes and creating 1.34 chances per 90 in the league this term - per FotMob.

The Senegal international has four goals from as many games in all competitions for the Villains.

Meanwhile, Zion Suzuki is having a great season in goal too, making zero errors leading to goals and registering a save percentage of 73.1 per cent.

He took 65 touches against Newcastle, making 12 recoveries, five high claims and playing 30 accurate passes.

One other player who deserves his flowers is Victor Lindelof, with the Swedish defender once again proving his worth to Emery.

No Villa player made more line-breaking passes (14) or headed clearances (seven) against Newcastle, whilst no player on the pitch that night made more than his 11 clearances.

Deeney is right, Manzambi is playing outstanding football right now, but he's not the only one doing the same in this Villains team.