Former Leicester City player generating consternation following summer transfer swap

Youri Tielemans joined Aston Villa on a free transfer from relegated Leicester City in the summer.

It’s fair to say that Youri Tielemans has struggled since joining Aston Villa on a free transfer at the end of last season. There is even conjecture that the Premier League team will try to offload him as soon as possible, however such reports should be treated with a grain of salt.

So far, Tielemans has struggled to find consistent playing time under Unai Emery. He’s even spoken with the management about it. However, Tielemans’ Villa career is still in its early stages, and he has demonstrated the ability to succeed there on multiple occasions during his time with Leicester City. But the 26-year-old from Birmingham has had a difficult start.

Nonetheless, there are hints that the Belgian is settling nicely, and there have been some stats graphics doing the rounds on social media that demonstrate just how much effort he is putting into making his move to Villa Park a success.

READ MORE: Harry Kane makes a ‘difficult’ revelation about Leicester City

READ MORE: How Maddison’really upset’ Leicester City goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel

A recent interview on the Villa podcast Claret & Blue provided an honest assessment of how the former City player is doing. Mat Kendrick, one of the hosts, provided his opinion as Villa earned their first Europa Conference League points with a last-minute winner over Zrinjski Mostar, putting all four sides on three points in Group E.

“He just seems a little careless at times,” he admits. He threw the ball away cheaply, and when the ball was passed back into him on the right side of the penalty area, his delivery was weak.

“It’s early days, and it’s difficult for him to catch up when he’s not playing regularly in the Premier League.” I don’t want to dismiss him because he has a wonderful pedigree, and it was interesting to see Tielemans and (Leander) Dendoncker… both of whom were part of Belgium’s golden generation. Both of those players would have been regulars in two solid Premier League teams three years ago, Leicester and Wolves.

“However, when they are in the team instead of (Douglas) Luiz, (Boubacar) Kamara, or Jacob Ramsey, it becomes a little static and one-paced rather than the high energy tempo that we like to see Villa play with.” Tielemans is a considerably better player than what we’ve seen thus far, but he did frustrate me tonight.”

Villa supporters are equally skeptical…

Stuart Plant: All players, even Tielemans, require time to adjust to a new team/system. But he lacks athleticism and is unable to press. Last season, I chalked it up to fitness and morale difficulties at Leicester. But, given his age of 26, this is insufficient. Needs to be sharpened.

Tielemans on a free was far too much for BSPickle.

Alex Berwick: I’m concerned about Tielemans. I’d love for him to prove me wrong, but he just appears to be finished physically.

Wright, Stephen L.: Guys, Tielemans is a proven great center-midfielder who hasn’t played enough minutes and is falling behind. He’s also not a left-winger and was supported by another CM as a makeshift left-back. Relax as much as possible.

Stuart Rae: Tielemans has been a nightmare. He is scarcely able to move. So slow in all aspects and gets crowded out far too quickly. I doubt he’ll ever make the squad playing like this.

Rational Villa: It’s difficult to see now, but it could be a blessing in disguise. Some of the periphery guys aren’t likely to make the cut. Olsen, Dendoncker, and Tielemans (while it’s early days for him, I believe he’ll improve). We’ll need to be really strong in the league and in Europe, as well as have some luck with injuries until January.

So, while the jury is yet out on whether the former City favourite’s summer move will pay off, Villa will be seeking for consistency from every member of their squad as they battle for top six and European trophies.

About The Author

admin

See author's posts