‘Never believe it’… Martin Keown completely shocked by £12m Aston Villa player against Man City

Thu 7 December 2023 7:35, UK

On what proved to be a brilliant night for Aston Villa against Manchester City, Martin Keown was so surprised by one player.

Keown was reviewing the game for the BBC’s and couldn’t quite believe how well one defender was doing out of position.

The pundit was endlessly impressed by Ezri Konsa, a player who just keeps getting better this season.

And when discussing the game, Keown was also delighted to see Leon Bailey thriving – something he thought was well deserved.

: “By the way, he’s a centre half playing right back, you’d never believe it.”

He continued: “And I feel this guy [Bailey] is really going from strength to strength, deserves a little bit of good fortune.

“He’s been a bit unlucky at times getting injuries, and he gets that ricocheted, but it’s what their play deserved tonight.”

Of course, Konsa has played almost the entire season as centre-back, only to switch out wide against the title holders.

Unai Emery is never afraid to make a tactical tweak, just look at Moussa Diaby sat on the bench.

And his plan did reap the rewards intended.

Martin Keown thought Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa was brilliant vs Manchester City

Perhaps Konsa will have been particularly pleased to excel at right-back last night with the England squad in mind.

Gareth Southgate has often said that he will favour versatile players for this squad for the Euros this summer, one that is reduced in numbers.

And Unai Emery really is now giving his defender the best platform possible.

Konsa was brilliant for Villa against City, as many were in a claret shirt.

And although they are now pushing relatively unknown heights in the league table, it doesn’t seem to be phasing anyone.

Moreover, this weekend’s game against Arsenal now looks perfectly poised, a game with so many narratives.

Not only will Unai Emery face his old side, but it will also be a game between two genuine title contenders.