Aston Villa duo Ian Maatsen and Amadou Onana have revealed the reasons why they opted to join the club, with the pair both praising Unai Emery.
Villa unveiled both players on Monday, with Maatsen finally arriving at Bodymoor Heath having had an extended break after being called up for the Netherlands at EURO 2024.
READ MORE: Why latest Villa summer signing will prove to be a crucial addition for Emery
Similarly, Onana has also had additional time off after featuring for Belgium, but much to the likely delight of Emery, he had both his new recruits at the training ground to start the week as they begin the adaptation process and start to settle into their new surroundings.
Importantly, they also arrive ahead of the squad travelling out to the USA for our pre-season tour, and so it’s hoped that the trip will prove to be a crucial part of the process noted above.
As expected, the Villa boss was a key reason behind their decision to join us, but the lure of playing Champions League football and the opportunity to continue to develop and improve as individuals as part of our project, were all key factors too.
“It feels amazing,” Onana told VillaTV. “I’m glad to be here, finally, and I can’t wait to get started. “It was a bit of everything. There’s a healthy atmosphere here to grow as a player and as a man. The team played very attractive football last season with loads of goals and will now be playing in the Champions League.
“I’ll be playing in the Champions League again and that’s very exciting. We also have a manager that’s one of the best in the business and I think he can take my game to the next level.
“It’s a great stadium with a great atmosphere and the fans are amazing. I’ve played several times against the lads and I know how good they are. I’m ready to bring something to the team as well.
“I want to bring this football club to the top. They had a tremendous season last season. We’ve got to continue that vibe and try to compete at the top.”
Given what we’ve seen with almost every Villa player in this squad since Emery took charge, there is great confidence that he will be able to have the same influence and impact on Onana’s game and help him to improve and develop further.
Despite having plenty of experience at 22, the Belgian international has a lot of potential and talent still to unlock, and as a pivotal addition to the squad given what he brings in midfield with his physicality, athleticism and technical ability, he promises to be a real asset to the Villa boss moving forward.
“It’s an honour,” Maatsen said in his interview with VillaTV. “I’ve been waiting for this moment because I’ve been at the Euros. Now I’m finally here it feels official, so I can’t wait to get started. You see the boys training on the social media accounts and you’re just thinking, ‘I want to go back and get to know all the lads and get started’.
“Last season the team did very well. The coach is a brilliant coach with lots of experience all over Europe. The club is also playing Champions League this year, which is exciting. He’s (Unai Emery) a manager that loves to be playing football and winning trophies.
“It’s a challenge for me to come here and show people that I’m capable of doing those things on the highest level. I just can’t wait to get started and get on the field and enjoy everything. I’m an exciting player and I love to play football. I enjoy tackles and I like to get the crowd going.”
There are clearly common themes in both their respective comments, as Emery, Champions League football and our style of play are all seen as attractive propositions for potential transfer targets.
It’s hoped that the pair, along with all of our other summer signings, can all integrate into that and take on what Emery is trying to implement as effectively as others did last season, and that will hopefully help us reach the next level and continue to compete at the top.
Both Maatsen and Onana promise to be integral players for Emery given how they should fit into his structure and way of playing, and while they are evidently itching to get started, it will be fascinating to see them involved in our upcoming pre-season games as they adapt and learn Emery’s demands.
