Victor Lindelof: Swedish media react to Aston Villa star's World Cup display vs Tunisia

Aston Villa defender Victor Lindelof put in a brilliant display as Sweden smashed Tunisia 5-1 in their World Cup opener.

Yasin Ayari scored a brace, with Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Mattis Svanberg adding to the score line and cancelling out Omar Rekik's header.

It was the perfect start for Graham Potter's side, who only barely qualified for the tournament through the play-offs in March.

Lindelof joined Villa last summer and is under contract until 2027, having emerged as a key player in the final months of the season.

Faced with an injury crisis in midfield, Unai Emery opted to play the 31-year-old out of position and at the base alongside Youri Tielemans.

Lindelof excelled there and even started the Europa League final, with Villa beating SC Freiburg 3-0 to lift their first major trophy in 30 years.

Swedish media rave about Victor Lindelof

Lindelof is Sweden's captain, with Monday's appearances representing his 77th cap, over a decade after he received his first.

The defender started in a back-three and was instrumental to his side's build-up, completing 51 passes overall.

Defensively, he was strong, completing a tackle, three clearances and two interceptions, although there was little he could do about Rekik's flick-on.

There remains some doubt surrounding Lindelof's future at Villa, with his contract due to expire next summer.

The 31-year-old was brought in on a free transfer last summer and appeared to be somewhat of a panic signing, but he proving more and more how wrong that judgement was.

The Swede's leadership and experience, as well as his quality, is an incredibly valuable asset for Emery.

Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen rated Lindelof with four out of five for his performance against Tunisia, describing him as a "leader."

Simon Bank, a writer for Sportbladet, wrote that the Villa man was "majestic for 90 minutes".

Lindelof clear on Aston Villa future

Emery will undoubtedly be keen to keep Lindelof at Villa this summer, although it remains to be seen how the idea of a new contract is broached.

The defender is likely on fairly significant wages, and at 31, could well start to slow at any time across the coming years.

Asked in May about the idea of returning to Swedish football and the Allsvenskan, Lindelof said: "I don’t think so. I don’t see myself coming home to the Allsvenskan and playing.

"I’ve never played there, so it would be fun, but if I know myself right, I don’t think it’s possible.”