Aston Villa forward Donyell Malen has insisted he always knew he’d come good at the club, even after a rocky start.
[ELF Voetbal](https://www.elfvoetbal.nl/binnenland/285769/donyell-malen-op-stoom-bij-aston-villa-en-oranje-uiteindelijk-weet-ik-dat-ik-altijd-weer-kom-bovendrijven) have an interview with the Aston Villa man in their latest edition. He again insists he always knew he’d be fine at Aston Villa.
The Dutch forward joined the Villans in January of this year from Borussia Dortmund. He was their first singing of the January transfer window, joining for an initial €23m.
He endured a slow start to life in the Midlands, though. Initially he was not a regular under Unai Emery and didn’t bag his first goal for the club until a 3-0 win over Brighton in April. He was a regular, though, with 17 appearances before the end of the season.
A system change has seen him integrated more this season, though. He’s already up to 16 appearances in all competitions and has four goals to date. Those numbers include 11 appearances in the Premier League and three goals to boot. He’s also featured regularly in the Europa League.
He now appears to be a firm fixture alongside Ollie Watkins in Aston Villa’s plans. That’s something he’s happy about, even if he insists, he knew it would all work out anyway.
“It wasn’t always easy in a new environment, a new league, and with a new manager,” he said.
“But I had to keep my head down and focus on myself and keep doing the right things. Stay calm. When I came on as a substitute, always think I’m going to do it. Even if the playing time is limited. Even if it’s just five minutes.
“I’ve always maintained that mentality, and it’s what got me where I am today. Ultimately, I know I’ll always come out on top. A sportsman’s career doesn’t always go from zero to one hundred. Sometimes you take a step back.”