Unai Emery must reinstate Aston Villa player vs Bournemouth after ‘incredible’ moment in Europe
Unai Emery will be expected to make multiple changes to the Aston Villa lineup to face Bournemouth despite claiming victory in Europe.
The Spaniard already made the brave decision to drop Ollie Watkins, with Donyell Malen given the nod through the middle, and it was he who doubled the Villans’ lead from the penalty spot on Thursday, 6 November.
Ian Maatsen had sparked Villa Park to life in added time at the end of the first half, and while it was another three points in the Europa League, there was very little to get excited about in the performance.
One of the most important moments would have been the return of one of Emery’s most trusted players, who has not featured since the goalless draw against Everton back in mid-September.
Youri Tielemans returns as Aston Villa claim European victory
Youri Tielemans has been sidelined for far too long, leaving his teammates to get the creative juices flowing, but Morgan Rogers has not been able to carry that weight on his shoulders.
Last season, the Belgian notched five goals and 10 assists, and has quickly become one of the favourite figures at Villa Park following his 2023 move from Leicester City on a free transfer.
Although he was only on the pitch for a little over 15 minutes, supporters were quickly reminded of his delightful skill on the ball and just how important he is to getting the team ticking over.
Tielemans completed 96 per cent of his passes, created one chance, accurately delivered 100 per cent of his crosses, won a ground duel, and even won a foul, which will have broken the game up [FotMob].
Aston Villa star creates a special moment, and should be thrown straight into the lineup
Speaking on TNT Sports, transcribed by BBC Sport (6 November, 9:41pm), Lucy Ward was blown away by the midfielder, saying: “That’s incredible. It was a reverse ball into Malen, and the keeper kept them out.”
Coming up against the Cherries on Sunday, 9 November, is an incredibly difficult task, but one that should be made slightly easier by the return of Tielemans following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Of course, there are always risks in throwing a recently returned player straight into the lineup, but if Emery wants all three points at Villa Park, he might have no other choice this weekend.
Tielemans is one of the most gifted players on the squad, proven by his short cameo against Maccabi Tel Aviv, so it feels almost impossible to leave him out if he is fit enough for the bench.