Aston Villa’s opponents are starting to fear powerhouse who won 10 duels vs Leeds
Aston Villa take on Young Boys in the Europa League off the back of a 2-1 win against Leeds on 23 November.
Aston Villa came from a goal down to beat Leeds away at Elland Road, with Morgan Rogers at the double.
Ollie Watkins had a day to forget for Aston Villa against Leeds, but was bailed out by the performances of his teammates around him.
The midfield duo of Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara had a particularly strong afternoon as they maintained control in the middle of the park.
Kamara in inspired form to restrict Leeds in attack
Whilst Rogers stole the headlines for Aston Villa, the midfield pair of Tielemans and Kamara were equally as important at Elland Road.
Focusing on the latter, the Frenchman was marvellous for Unai Emery as he delivered two key passes to help sustain Villa’s attacks.
Moreover, the former Marseille man worked nonstop defensively, winning 10 of his 11 duels as well as making two interceptions.
His heat map, courtesy of Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, reflects his hunger to win back possession as he marauded the halfway line and the Villains’ defensive third.
On top of this, the France international racked up four clearances, four recoveries and blocked one shot as Emery’s side sought to see out the game and claim the three points.
Preparing for a clash against Young Boys on Thursday, 27 November, Kamara’s tenacity and dynamism will be called upon to stop any counterattacks.
You can also see why Villa’s opponents are starting to fear him.
Aston Villa to continue remarkable resurgence and challenge for Europa League
Emery’s side have been on an excellent run of form after a turgid start to the 2025-26 campaign.
Since a penalty shootout defeat to Brentford in the EFL Cup in September, the Villains have lost just twice in 12 matches in all competitions.
They’re even grinding out results without the usual brilliance of Watkins up top who has only scored once this season, miles below his usual standards.
Moreover, the Midlands club have been in decent form in the Europa League, losing just once against Go Ahead Eagles to tarnish their near flawless record.
If the Villains can maintain this good form, then there is every chance they could go far in the second-tier European competition, potentially winning it.