Ezri Konsa
Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa has been a pivotal figure in the club’s impressive defensive performances under manager Unai Emery. Despite having a contract that runs until 2028, Konsa’s future at Villa Park remains a topic of interest, especially given the recent contract extensions for several of his teammates. While the club has not prioritized a new deal for Konsa, his contributions on the pitch have not gone unnoticed.
Unai Emery said: “I don’t know. I don’t know exactly when his contract ends. You know better than me when is ending his contract. 2028? You are his agent! The other players [who signed up], they were finishing sooner. 2028? That’s so long.”
Pau Torres said: “I think he is really strong in the duels. He’s a winner. His capacity to lead the team from the back is amazing. He is improving a lot with the ball and since I arrived here, he improved a lot. I think it is down to the work he did but also the staff who worked with him to improve on it. He deserves to be in the England squad.”
Pau Torres added: “It is not just the back four. It is work which involves every player in our team. We have a good structure defensively. Everyone is running when we don’t have the ball to recover because we feel stronger with it. We also have two very good goalkeepers. Marco helped us at the start of the season when Emi couldn’t play. Now I think we have the best Emi we can have. It is a work which involves every player in the team. We have four really good centre-backs, all international players. When we are all fit, we have four good players, which is good for us.”
Konsa has been instrumental in Aston Villa’s defensive solidity, starting in 11 of the club’s 12 Premier League matches this season. His performances have been a key factor in the club’s progress under Emery’s management. While Konsa’s contract situation is not pressing, his role in the team underscores his value to the club.
The recent contract renewals for players like Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara, Lucas Digne, Matty Cash, and John McGinn were driven by the limited time left on their previous deals. In contrast, Konsa’s contract extension is not an immediate concern for the club, given its long-term nature. However, his consistent performances and leadership at the back have sparked discussions about his importance to the team.
As Villa continues to strengthen its defensive unit, Konsa’s presence remains vital. With a strong defensive record this season, the team’s collective effort, as highlighted by Torres, showcases the depth and quality within the squad. Konsa’s potential inclusion in the England squad further emphasizes his growing reputation in the Premier League.