Unai Emery could hand Evann Guessand his Aston Villa debut against Brentford
Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand
Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand(Image: Getty Images)
Evann Guessand is relishing the opportunity to show Aston Villa fans what he’s all about after joining from Nice earlier this month.
Villa agreed a deal worth up to £30 million for the 24-year-old, but he remained on the bench during the season opener against Newcastle United.
Ezri Konsa’s second-half red card may have influenced Unai Emery’s decision to keep Guessand in reserve, with Donyell Malen the only substitute introduced late in the goalless draw.
Ahead of Villa’s Premier League clash against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, Guessand spoke to Villa TV about how he’s settling in and his hopes of making his debut today.
“It’s been pretty cool, I like the English mentality and the way my teammates welcome me here,” he said. “I spoke with many French players before coming here. They all said the same thing - that England is the best place to enjoy your football. It is true.
“Someone spoke about the atmosphere in Villa Park because I have never been there before. I have seen some games on TV, but never in real life. When I saw the crowd, they all shouted together and they were really loud.
“In France, we have lots of teams with a good crowd, but not like this. I was excited to play, but unfortunately not - I think the red card changed the game plan, so I understand.
“I am really excited to make my debut. We train really hard to win the games and now I want to show the fans who I am and the French mentality - what the level is in France.
“I want to follow my dream because playing for Aston Villa in the Premier League is one of my dreams. I have many dreams and this is one of them.”
Guessand’s profile appealed to Villa for various reasons, but particularly for his versatility and ability to play across the frontline.
“I would say it’s a good thing to play across different positions on the field,” Guessand added. “When I was younger, I used to play on the wing because I was shorter. Now I can also play striker as I am taller.
“Last season, the position I had with Franck Haise was behind the striker, and I like to have freedom on the pitch - I like to move. Being behind the striker is good, but if I play left, right or as a nine, it is OK.
“As a young player, I have lots to improve - on how to see the game, approach the game, how to do a better movement and be more smart, thinking about the next step. This coach has been with a lot of good teams - PSG, Villarreal - and for different reasons he will help me a lot.”
How many goals will Guessand score this season? Tell us here
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