Why Ibrahim Mbaye has now primed himself for Aston Villa explosion after more Senegal scenes
Ibrahim Mbaye is coming back from the international break with more confidence than most Aston Villa players.
The 2026 summer signing has yet to hit the ground running at Villa Park, with Unai Emery only handing out two appearances so far to the winger in the Premier League.
It has not been the start to the season the B6 side wanted, but expectations in these early weeks must be tempered.
Villa are a side going through plenty of changes, and with a manager like Emery, there should be confidence things will turn around.
One player who could help form turn is Mbaye.
And that is because the Villa man has had an exceptional break away with Senegal, with his latest appearance topping it off.
What has happened with Ibrahim Mbaye for Senegal?
Mbaye may not be starting for Aston Villa, but the 18-year-old is a regular for the Senagalese national team.
The Lions of Teranga, now under the management of Patrick Vieira, are entering a new era.
And Mbaye has certainly began making sure he is part of that.
In Vieira's first game in charge, Mbaye popped up with a goal against Ethiopia, and he has now followed that up.
As Senegal took on Comoros in a friendly, it was Mbaye's low cross to the back post that proved the difference with Iliman Ndiaye putting it away.
With Senegalese outlet DSports stating that Mbaye and Ndiaye were the "most incisive" performers for the African nation.
That is Senegal's final game of this international break, and with a goal and assist under the new manager, Mbaye will have plenty of confidence.
Emery must utilise that as it could spark the 18-year-old's career in England into life.
What Mbaye needs to now bring to Aston Villa
At 18 years old, there is still plenty for Mbaye to learn in the world of football, and adding goals and assists to his locker is a positive start.
That is something he has struggled with at PSG, but on the international level, Mbaye has found his quality.
In 18 international appearances, the youngster has managed to score five and assist six goals.
An impressive stat and rate of contributions, with his domestic total not quite as good.
In 45 appearances at senior level, the Senegal forward has managed just nine contributions - four goals and five assists.
If he can bring the quality he routinely shows for his nation back to Villa Park, it won't be long until he explodes as one of the best in the Premier League.