In the lead-up to the new season, one of the significant concerns for Unai Emery’s side was how they would cope without Douglas Luiz. However, Youri Tielemans quickly stepped up to claim the role of Aston Villa’s maestro. Key players like Emi Martinez, Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa, and Jacob Ramsey remained untouchable during the summer transfer window. Despite Luiz’s crucial role in the previous term’s success, the club believed they could rebuild more easily from his sale than if they had parted with another vital squad member. Amadou Onana emerged as a target, with Emery keen to introduce another midfielder profile to complement or support Boubacar Kamara. Although skipper John McGinn can play deeper, he is preferred in a more forward role. The seamless transition post-Luiz’s departure highlights the club’s adept recruitment. Tielemans’ acquisition on a free transfer after his contract ended at King Power Stadium was a strategic success. After a slow start, waiting until November to debut, Tielemans found his form under Emery. At 27, he potentially has his best years ahead.
Unai Emery said, “Youri Tielemans, when we signed him last year, we were doing a plan with him. Of course, last year, he was more or less replacing Douglas Luiz and sometimes playing together, but when we were trying to get balance in our structure, we were playing with Kamara and Douglas Luiz. He played in different positions, a number eight or number 10, he was playing well because he is very intelligent. But his best position is number eight. Now, after Luiz has left, the position he is playing with us is where he is feeling better with his capacity and qualities. He is always ready to play and ready to learn on everything we are learning. He was struggling at Leicester and I don’t know exactly why. They were relegated two years ago and they were not playing well. They had Barnes, Tielemans, Maddison, those players are now playing for Tottenham, Newcastle and Tielemans is here with us. We will need him and Ross Barkley, whose adaptation is getting better and better. I will use both players this year a lot of times, maybe even playing together sometimes.”
Tielemans has proven to be one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League this season, creating five goal opportunities and drawing the eighth most fouls in the division, further showcasing his significance in Villa’s midfield.
