Dean Smith left buzzing after hearing news about 26-year-old Aston Villa player now

Tue 14 November 2023 9:15, UK

Former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has heaped praise on Ezri Konsa after the defender received a call-up to the England squad yesterday.

Smith has been speaking on and reacted after hearing about the Aston Villa star’s call-up.

Ezri Konsa has been in exceptional form for Villa this season and has been a mainstay in Unai Emery’s side.

The 26-year-old has started in every single Premier League game this campaign, with Emery’s men currently sitting fifth in the table.

Lewis Dunk was withdrawn from the England squad this week due to injury and it’s led to Konsa receiving a call-up from Gareth Southgate.

And it’s fair to say that Dean Smith is delighted after hearing the news.

Smith buzzing after Konsa’s England call-up

Speaking on Monday Night Club, Smith reacted to the news that Konsa had received his first England call-up.

“I’ve been banging his drum for a while,” the former Villa boss said. “He’s a top lad and a top player.

“I watch him now in Unai’s team and the go-to players are Martinez, Konsa, McGinn and Watkins through the spin of the team.

“He’s so consistent, he’s unruffled and he’s deserved his call-up.”

Of course, Smith snapped up Konsa from Brentford for a fee worth back in 2019 and it’s proving to be an inspired piece of business.

The former Bees defender has been solid for Villa in the Premier League and is fully deserving of an England call-up.

Southgate isn’t exactly blessed with quality options at centre-back and it would be brilliant to see Konsa get some minutes over the coming days.

The Three Lions face Malta on Friday before a trip to North Macedonia next Monday and it will be intriguing to see if Konsa is handed his debut.