Aston Villa manager Unai Emery in a circular inset looking disappointed towards Donyell Malen
(Credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Thu 21 August 2025 18:10, UK
Donyell Malen has struggled for regular minutes since joining Aston Villa.
Malen signed for Villa from Borussia Dortmund for £21million in January, but has never been a regular in claret and blue under Unai Emery.
There is no doubt that Malen has a point to prove for Villa this season and has taken steps towards that with a superb pre-season for the Villans.
As a result, it was a huge surprise to see the Netherlands international named on the bench at Villa Park on the opening day of the season against Newcastle United.
This has added more fuel to the fire that Emery treats certain stars with preferential treatment, something which hasn’t helped Malen after the recent transfer activity in B6.
Donyell Malen Aston Villa
Donyell Malen has struggled for starts since signing for Aston Villa (Credit: Imago)
This article contains exclusive comments given to Villa News by former manager Martin Allen
Donyell Malen let down by Unai Emery favouritism
Given the general lack of money spent by the Villans this summer, there was hope that the ex-PSV man would become a regular in the Midlands.
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That doesn’t look likely to be the case after the Dutchman was afforded just six minutes of action off the bench against Newcastle.
Malen bagged two pre-season goals across many star showings
The Dutch forward was the only substitute made by Emery against Newcastle
He registered a shot on target within just minutes of coming on
It will certainly be interesting to see what happens against Brentford away from home (23 August), although it feels likely that others will once again be preferred from the start.
This has been echoed by Allen, who believes that John McGinn is favoured due to his recent exit links to Everton ahead of Malen.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Allen said: “Sometimes managers do have their favourites, and these sorts of things do happen.
“There is always going to be preferential treatment for someone like John McGinn, especially after he was linked with a move to Everton.
“With so many games in a season, domestically and in European competition, you need quality in every position in the squad and on the bench to call on.
“Emery is a fantastic manager and will have his reason for leaving Malen out.
“*Over a period of time, we will see whether he gets it right or not. We will see in the next couple of months for sure.*“
John McGinn Aston Villa
John McGinn has been linked with an Aston Villa exit this summer (Credit: Imago)
Donyell Malen has to start for Aston Villa regularly
After losing Leon Bailey on loan to Roma, there is no getting away from the fact that the Villans are in need of genuine pace in their team.
Although Evann Guessand may add that to the squad, the ready-made option to provide that is Malen.
Against Newcastle, the ex-Dortmund man showcased his speed and certainly caused problems for Tino Livramento when given the chance.
Stat Donyell Malen vs Newcastle
Minutes played 6
Distance covered (km) 1.6
Walking (m) 390
Running (km) 1.2
Sprinting (m) 50
Number of sprints 3
Top speed (km/h) 30.3
Donyell Malen made an impact off the bench against Newcastle
Given that the young Englishman is one of the better full-backs in the Premier League, the versatile forward should be given opportunities on a more regular basis.
There is no reason to favour struggling stars, someone like McGinn represents a positive option, but must not be utilised ahead of a better option like Malen.
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