Aston Villa beat Maccabi Tel Aviv in a Europa League clash on November 6, with Unai Emery rewarding one player.
It was a pretty torrid start to the fixture from the home side, who were slow in possession and didn’t create an awful lot in the first half.
However, Aston Villa fans praised Jadon Sancho, along with Morgan Rogers and Ian Maatsen, for their link-up play down the left.
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The trio combined to open the scoring just before the break, before Donyell Malen doubled their lead from 12 yards with 59 minutes gone.
Meanwhile, Unai Emery made a big claim about another player who also featured in a prominent role on Thursday.
Unai Emery during Aston Villa FC v Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC - UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD4
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Unai Emery shares Ezri Konsa verdict after making him captain
Emery made a number of changes to his side on November 6, which was to be expected given the hectic schedule.
That meant Aston Villa skipper John McGinn, who recently signed a new contract with the club, started on the bench.
In his place, Ezri Konsa was rewarded with the armband for the first time under Emery’s management.
The Spaniard was asked about that decision when speaking live on TNT Sports shortly before kick-off and claimed the centre-back is now reaching his best level.
He said: “Very good, a very good example of how he’s doing his challenges with the team. He’s getting his best level, even breaking some highest levels he can get, being demanding like he is.
“The captaincy is something he’s in the group, and today, of course, he’s getting the game.”
Ezri Konsa in action for Aston Villa
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Ezri Konsa transfer interest
The 28-year-old has been a regular fixture for the Villans since Emery took charge, impressing on many occasions.
However, his form over the last year or so means Konsa has transfer interest from several clubs.
TBR Football have previously reported that Tottenham and Manchester City are among the clubs keeping tabs on the Englishman, while Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have watched the stopper in the last year.
Finance expert Adam Williams has told us that Aston Villa will need to sell players if they want to make fresh additions.
Konsa is currently under contract at Villa Park until the end of June 2028.