Zion Suzuki playing for Aston Villa and Unai Emery in a press conference

Zion Suzuki and Unai EmeryImago

Zion Suzuki among three Aston Villa players whose stock has risen this season

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Published on:

25 Sep 2026, 5:00 pm

Aston Villa took some much-needed momentum in the international break.

Unai Emery's men ran out 3-2 victors at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, with Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson, and Emiliano Buendia on target.

That represented Villa's first win in the Premier League this season, and backed up a 3-1 triumph over Coventry City in the Carabao Cup.

Villa underwent a summer of upheaval, with 10 players signed, and the likes of Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa, and Emiliano Martinez all departing.

Emery is still waiting for his side to gel consistently in truth, but the signs before the international break were starting to look more positive.

And here, Villa News looks at three players whose stock has been on the rise in the early months of the season.

Zion Suzuki

It was little surprise to see Villa sign a new goalkeeper this summer, a decision that ultimately led to Emi Martinez joining Chelsea.

Zion Suzuki arrived from Parma in a deal worth approximately £30million, after moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus failed to materialise.

After impressing for Japan at the World Cup, Suzuki already looks an accomplished Premier League performer for Villa.

The 24-year-old was particularly impressive against Tottenham, and his distrubution looks a potent weapon. He could turn out to be a gem for Villa.

Zion Suzuki takes step towards return after latest injury update away from Aston Villa

George Hemmings

Villa's sale of several high-profile first-teamers did open the door of opportunity elsewhere.

And that is exactly what happened for George Hemmings, who probably would have had his first-team opportunities blocked if Rogers had not joined Chelsea.

Aged only 19, Hemmings remains - understandably - a work in progress under Emery.

But, in the games he has played this season, he has been proactive and looked to have an impact. There is bags of potential in this young man.

Nicolas Jackson

Jackson needed a new home after being bombed out at Chelsea and not doing enough to convince Bayern Munich to sign him permanently.

It wasn't always a sure thing he would sign for Villa, but when it became apparent Watkins was joining Al-Hilal, the interest stepped up.

Jackson worked with Emery at Villarreal, so knows he has a head coach who can get the best out of him.

While there are still levels to reach, Jackson is off the mark in the Champions League and Premier League, and looks like he could make a big impact under the Spaniard at Villa Park.

Ollie Watkins