Unai Emery has got it badly wrong about Aston Villa fringe player, ex-star agrees
Donyell Malen starred for Aston Villa on Thursday night in the Europa League, scoring twice as Unai Emery’s team beat Young Boys.
Villa beat Young Boys 2-1, with the Dutchman’s double ultimately providing the difference between the sides.
Joel Monteiro scored late on for the visitors, with the Villans forced to defend deep to keep hold of the three points in the closing stages.
Malen was among the stars for Villa against Leeds United on Sunday, too, with the forward continuing to stake his claim for a starting role in the Premier League.
With Malen producing standout performances on the international stage, too, the 26-year-old will feel it is only a matter of time before Emery corrects his mistake.
Donyell Malen stuns amid chaotic Young Boys scenes
Malen was targeted by the Young Boys fans after his opening goal, with the Dutchman struck by a flying object from the away end.
The winger had gone to the corner flag to celebrate his header but was met by dozens of cups and bottles, thrown by the Swiss fans.
One hit Malen on the head, leaving a small cut. But the 26-year-old was not bothered by the moment, and went on to further punish his opposition.
| Donyell Malen | Vs Young Boys (H) |
| Minutes played | 60 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Shots | 3 |
| Successful dribbles | 1/1 |
| Recoveries | 3 |
| Duels won | 2/4 |
The Netherlands international was found by Morgan Rogers before cutting inside his defender and placing the ball beyond Marvin Keller in the Young Boys goal.
Despite what had happened just 15 minutes previously, the Villa man was not afraid of celebrating in front of the away end once again, knee sliding and goading the angry crowd.
It was yet another superb performance from Malen, who has really come into his own for Emery’s team this season.
Speaking to TNT Sports during the game on Thursday, former Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger said: “I don’t know where Donyell Malen’s form has come from, but it has been so important for Aston Villa.
“Ollie Watkins hasn’t been as strong up top recently so Malen stepping up is exactly what they need.”
Will Unai Emery finally drop Ollie Watkins?
Emery took away any chance of a Malen hat-trick when he took the forward off and replaced him with Watkins in the 60th minute.
Villa fans will hope that move was made with the Dutchman’s fitness in mind ahead of Sunday’s clash with Wolves, but the reality could easily be different.
Emery has been reluctant to take Watkins out of the starting line-up this season, despite the England international’s woeful form.
Even after coming on against Young Boys, the striker failed to leave much of an impression and ended the game having completed just five passes.
Malen will have walked off the pitch wondering what more he can do to catch his manager’s eye, with Sunday’s match to be the latest test of Emery’s faith in Watkins.