Donyell Malen sends new Aston Villa team-mates inspired Champions League message
Donyell Malen sends new Aston Villa team-mates inspired Champions League message
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Donyell Malen has a simple message for Aston Villa’s players in the Champions League : Dream big - it happened to me, it can happen here. Unai Emery traded up by releasing Jaden Philogene to Ipswich Town and replacing him for a comparable £21m fee with a Dutch international boasting bags of experience and proven pedigree. Although he is not eligible for Wednesday's clash against Monaco at the Louis II Stadium, the 26-year-old can play in the knockout stages.
And he told Emery’s players that his experience in Germany with the black and yellows last year proves anything is possible. He said: “Last year, in the group stage we had Newcastle, Milan and Paris St Germain - people said right away: ‘They’re out.’.
“But we picked up a lot of points, made it through and then got a decent draw. I played against PSV Eindhoven - my old team - which was a big game for me, personally. Then we faced Atletico Madrid - one of the biggest games of the season. “I was injured for that. But when we won, we started saying: ‘We can do this,’ and we reached the final. We knew it was going to be Real Madrid, Manchester City or Paris St Germain.
“In the final it was Madrid. It was a special day and we played well, but it wasn’t to be." One of the major plus points for Emery is Malen’s versatility. He can play anywhere across the frontline, can come in from either flank or play through the middle. It appears to be an astute piece of business. "I’m direct, quick,” he said, “I have played multiple positions up front.
