The problem ? That Duran is quite simply the best “joker” in England. The four goals he scored in the Premier League this season followed an increase in play. Three of these goals were even victorious and therefore earned 9 points. Nobody does it better. The Club has been notified.
2. Onana and the arduous mission
The Devil was attracted this summer to form a pair with Youri Tielemans. And, above all, to replace Douglas Luiz, the darling of Villa Park who left for Juventus. A difficult task. Villa paid €60 million to secure the services of the Belgian. Who quickly found his feet in Emery’s midfield. To the point of attracting praise from Frank Lampard this weekend.
“Onana is of a different naturethinks the one who had him under his wing at Everton. Luiz was perhaps better at receiving and delivering passes. Maybe Onana can still work on this. But his profile is different. Luiz was a key piece of Emery’s system, but when you look at where Onana is in his career then the club hasn’t lost out. He’s a great talent.”
Champions League – A victory for Club Brugge against Aston Villa is not unthinkable for Maxim De Cuyper
3. Watch out for the “best transfer of the summer”
The Club will have to pay particular attention to Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers. The first of the two is obviously the best known: it was he who delivered England, in the semi-final of the last Euro against the Netherlands, during added time. Author of an extraordinary season last year, with 19 goals scored in the Premier League, Watkins is still looking for his first in the Champions League.
But he does not constitute the only danger for Simon Mignolet and company. Far from it. Obviously, Onana requires special attention from the Blauw en Zwart, but we will also have to keep an eye on Morgan Rogers. The young Englishman has just arrived at Villa for the “ridiculous” sum of €9.4 million. Based on his performances, it would not be surprising to see him be selected for the national team soon. “There are arguments to say that this is the transfer of the summerconfided Paul Scholes. So far he’s been great.”
Champions League: Club Bruges will have to cope without Nilsson against Aston Villa
4. Emery has rebuilt himself
The other interesting duel will take place off the field, between Emery and Nicky Hayen. It will be interesting to see how the Club’s coach, inexperienced on the big stage, competes with his opponent, considered a “master tactician”. The two men are both described as workaholics who pay attention to the smallest details. “Unai was using so many videos that I ran out of popcorn.”even said Joaquin, the legend of Spanish football, about Emery.
His reputation may have been a little damaged following his spells at Arsenal and PSG, Emery has rebuilt it perfectly at Birmingham. Steven Gerrard’s successor guided the Villains to a fourth place last season and therefore to a first participation in the Champions League since 1982-1983. “Emery delivers remarkable work”estimate Pep Guardiola.
5. The two-time winner of the Yashin Trophy
How can we not talk about him? He who has just won the Yashin trophy for the second time in a row at the recent Ballon d’Or gala (where he was also whistled upon his arrival on the red carpet)… No one had achieved it before him Besides. Emiliano Martinez will stand against the Bruges attackers. Fortunately for Skov Olsen, Romeo Vermant or Ferran Jutgla, the game cannot end on penalties.
Although he is a safe bet for Emery, it must be said that if Martinez was voted best goalkeeper in the world, it is mainly thanks to his performances in the national team. Over the last three years, the man who disgusted France in the last World Cup final has still won two Copa Americas and a World Cup…
