Aston Villa boss Unai Emery handed Tim Iroegbunam a starting berth against Ajax on Thursday night, and the youngster put in a promising display.
It was just the second start for the 20-year-old in a Villa shirt, his sixth appearance of this season overall, and in an atmosphere and occasion like the one in Amsterdam in our Europa Conference League encounter, it would have been a memorable outing for him.
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With Boubacar Kamara sidelined with a significant injury, it was important that Iroegbunam delivered a performance to prove that he’s capable of stepping up and providing a reliable option in the heart of our midfield when needed, and there were positive signs of his ability to do so.
Given Villa struggled to find our rhythm, balance and control, it was difficult for all 11 starters to show their full potential, and particularly for Iroegbunam in the midfield battle, he would have found it tough at times to settle and build his confidence.
However, with his physicality, technical ability and composure in possession, he was able to show what he can offer, and it’s hoped that it was an experience and display that he can build on if he’s called into action again between now and the end of the season.
“When the gaffer told me earlier, I was excited and I just couldn’t wait to play,” he told VillaTV. “It’s an amazing stadium and the fans were amazing. A great place to make my second start for the club.”
“It went well,” he added. “It’s always tough coming away from home, especially against an historic club like Ajax.
“The fact that we came away with a draw is a good thing and it’s all to play for in the second leg.”
The talented youngster ended the game with 27 touches, 83 percent passing accuracy, four of seven duels won, one interception and one tackle, and if Villa successfully make it through to the next round next week, we’ll hopefully see more from him in the coming weeks.
Emery will likely lean heavily on the pairing of John McGinn and Douglas Luiz to anchor his midfield moving forward, as they have proven to be our best options in that department without Kamara.
Nevertheless, with 11 more games to go in the Premier League and hopefully a run to the Final in Europe, we’ll need our depth to produce, as and when the Villa boss decides to rotate.
Particularly in the case of Iroegbunam, but for the squad as a whole too, the trip to the Dutch capital would have been a vital learning experience for them as we continue to progress, develop and evolve into a side capable of competing on the European stage.
From the pre-game atmosphere to dealing with Ajax’s style of football, it will hopefully serve us well moving forward, both in the more immediate future if our European run is extended, but also if we’re able to complete the job and qualify for the Champions League next season too.
Emery has a wealth of experience in that department and will transmit as much as possible to his players, but gaining it first hand and learning how to deal with the occasion as a whole will be fundamental as we continue to compete at a higher level.
