Johan Manzambi witnessed Villa’s strength last seasonAston Villa and now fuels Unai Emery’s rebuild.
Switzerland midfielder Manzambi, who turned 21 on Wednesday, netted his third Villa goal with the winner in a 1‑0 triumph over Newcastle – a club he rejected before joining Villa Park this summer.
He helped Freiburg reach the Europa League final before a Villa side, three goals in the opening hour, dismantled the Germans 3‑0.
When asked why he chose Villa, Manzambi replied, “The team was excellent and I faced them in the final. A great coach and a perfect fit for me.”
Newcastle supporters watched a chance slip away, as Manzambi seemed poised for a St James’ Park move before sealing a club‑record £50m‑plus deal with Villa.
The Swiss striker headed the decisive goal in the north‑east, unmarked eight yards out after Joao Gomes delivered a pinpoint cross.
He also scored in the 3‑2 win at Tottenham and the 6‑0 Champions League thrashing of Fenerbahçe.
“He has made a very good impact with his qualities,” Emery praised. “Skills and intelligence, both he has, and his physicality is very important as well to help us defensively and to help us try to keep the duels offensively.” For my money, his impact exceeds expectations.
“So happy he has scored another goal, fantastic for him.”
Among Bundesliga players in his position last season, Manzambi led in progressive carries of 10 metres or more (116), shot‑ending carries (13) and fouls won (78).
He shone at the World Cup, scoring twice in a 4‑1 win over Bosnia‑Herzegovina, adding a goal and an assist in a 2‑1 victory over Canada, and providing an assist in a 2‑0 success over Algeria.
A knee injury, however, forced him out of Switzerland’s last‑16 shootout win over Colombia and their quarter‑final loss to Argentina.
His performances earned a place on the ten‑man shortlist for the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the world’s best under‑21 player.
Also shortlisted are Spain’s World Cup winners Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, plus Yan Diomande, whose displays secured a Real Madrid move; the winner will be announced on 26 October.
Since his debut for Villa on 19 September against Spurs, only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland – with six – has been involved in more Premier League goals across all competitions than Manzambi’s five (three goals, two assists).
Team‑mate Nicolas Jackson, another summer signing in a deal up to £65m from Chelsea, quickly lauded the youngster.
“He’s an amazing player,” Jackson said. “He’s still growing. Hopefully he can improve each game, score and assist me as well. We’ll work together and achieve many things.”
“He will go a long way and hopefully avoids injuries.”
While Manzambi plays a vital role in Villa’s present and future, the squad he joined differs greatly from the one he faced in the Europa League final.
From the Istanbul‑winning Villa side, six starters – goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defenders Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa, midfielders Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, and striker Ollie Watkins – have departed, and substitutes Harvey Elliott, Jadon Sancho and Leon Bailey are also gone.
Villa’s start was shaky, earning just one point from their first four league games, but the Newcastle win extends their unbeaten streak in all competitions to five.
Now 12th in the Premier League, Villa sit on six points from two Champions League ties after a 6‑0 demolition of Fenerbahçe and sit in the Carabao Cup last‑16 against Bournemouth.
How Manzambi became one of Europe’s best young talents
Jackson has netted five times for Villa since his arrival and said he escaped a serious injury after Newcastle’s Sven Botman’s high challenge earned only a yellow card.
“The referee saw a yellow, but it was so high I hoped for a red. I nearly broke my leg, but that’s football. The most important thing is we win, and we did, so I’m fine.”
Villa host Norwegian side Viking in their third Champions League match before facing Manchester City, who have won all seven of their Premier League games this season.
“It was vital after our poor start that we regained confidence and felt comfortable building our structure,” Emery added.
“The players demanded change to improve our situation.”
“Through the league we will achieve our priority this year, so consistency is key.”
With seven points from their last three league matches, Villa are on the rise again.
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