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Dean Smith impressed by 25-year-old Aston Villa ace who ‘won the ball a lot’ last night
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has praised Kortney Hause for his impressive display last night.
The 25-year-old has been on the fringes of the Villa team this season, with no Premier League appearances to his name prior to last night’s clash with Burnley.
However, Ezri Konsa’s absence meant Hause was named in the starting XI against the Clarets, partnering Tyrone Mings in central defence.
The former Wolves man put in a great performance, helping the Villans to a clean sheet and very nearly opening the scoring with a header which struck the woodwork.
When asked by the about Konsa’s absence, Smith replied: “Ezri was ill yesterday (Wednesday) so he’s missed training as well.
“All credit to Kortney though. He’s come in at short notice for his first start, won the ball a lot, defended well.
“Him, Elmohamady, Nakamba and El Ghazi did well considering they’ve been on the fringes this season because we have been consistent with our performances.”
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Hause sadly hasn’t had much of a look in this season, with just three League Cup appearances prior to last night, but he did so well on his first league appearance of the campaign.
It remains to be seen when Konsa can return to action but it’s good for Smith to know that he can rely on Hause for cover, particularly as the festive programme means a lot of games in quick succession.