Aston Villa coach Unai Emery was asked specific questions about Italy international Nicolo Zaniolo following his excellent showing during Sunday’s 2-0 victory away against Arsenal in the Premier League, which some have described as the 24-year-old’s best performance in England thus far.
Zaniolo was praised by supporters and pundits alike for his work both in and out of possession away at the Emirates on Sunday.
The former Roma youngster has had to settle for a place as a squad player for large spells of the 2023-24 season, and had only started five league matches before the win in North London.
Emery told the press after during his post-match media duties that he is relying on players like Zaniolo in Villa’s attempt to finish the 2023-24 campaign in the Premier League’s Champions League positions.
What Emery said about Zaniolo
“I am very happy for him,” Emery said, reported via BirminghamLive.
“At the beginning of the season it was very difficult and the impression was not easy but I told you and told him one or two months ago, something changed.
“He was focusing more and better, training more and better, focusing each match as well helping the team, playing 10 minutes, 20, 30, 45, 60, and today he showed it.
“We needed him, I told him before and today he showed us. From here until the end of the season, we will need these players available.”
Villa now have five matches of the Premier League season remaining and must face Bournemouth, Brighton, Chelsea, Liverpool and Palace before jetting off for their summer breaks, but will next be in action against Lille in the Europa League quarter-final second leg.
Immense. 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/QL7BsuTuv9
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 14, 2024
Zaniolo has shown maturity in the game