Donyell Malen Set to Make Debut against West Ham
Aston Villa’s new signing Donyell Malen is set to make his debut in claret and blue this weekend in the Premier League clash against West Ham United. The Dutch forward, who last week turned 26-years-old, has spoken about his whirlwind introduction to life at Villa Park and what fans can expect from him as he begins his new journey.
A Busy Start to Villa Life
Malen’s move to Villa from Borussia Dortmund was completed last week, and the forward has wasted no time getting integrated into the squad. Reflecting on the intensity of his first few days as a Villan, Malen described his excitement for the challenge ahead.
“It’s [been] special, but busy!” Malen reflected in an in-house interview with the club. “From the moment I stepped on the plane, to medical tests, signing the contracts, getting in the gym, doing all the scans, it’s been a lot, but I’ve really enjoyed it. After training, I just think about what I have to do. I’ve really enjoyed it [so far], and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Having previously played at Villa Park during his time as an Arsenal academy player, Malen already has fond memories of the stadium and is eager to experience its atmosphere as a Villa player.
“I remember I played [at Villa Park] with [Arsenal] 23s,” he recalls. “It was one of the first stadiums I played in as an academy player. I was like: ‘Wow, this is very big.’ To work there 10 years later is really nice, and I’m really looking forward to seeing it with all the fans. I’ve seen a few games, and how the stadium was against Bayern and Man City, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Preparation for West Ham
Malen has thrown himself into training this week, and his focus has been on fitting into Unai Emery’s tactical setup. With Villa sitting in a tight pack below the top four in the Premier League table, the forward understands the importance of making an immediate impact:
“We trained a bit on how we want to structure, and attack them and defend. I worked really hard this week, so I feel sharp. I feel ready. As a team, we just have to keep looking forward, keep looking up as well. Everything is very tight where we are now [in the table].”
Malen’s versatility and ability to play across the front three will be key as Villa looks to maintain their push for European qualification. The Dutchman is eager to contribute: “For me personally, I want to help the team with goals and assists and just bring an attacking threat to the goal. That’s hopefully what I can bring to the team.”
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What Malen Brings to Villa
Malen arrives at Villa Park with a reputation as a pacy, direct and clinical forward. During his time at Borussia Dortmund, he showcased his ability to find the back of the net and create opportunities for teammates, even if his form fluctuated with the German side this season. If Emery can get the best out of him and get him back on track, then he could be a very useful addition with his big game experience with both Dortmund and the Dutch national team.
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Just start him there’s nothing to loose and it can’t get any worse after watching the Monaco shambles.
On another subject why are they still harping on about Bade he made it clear that he doesn’t want to play for Villa so just forget him and move on but it better be quick we’re fast running out of time just as we always do.
We have to strengthen further this window and it’s all looking a bit iffy right now.lets hope we’re in for a surprise before it’s too late