Gabby Agbonlahor praises 'outstanding' Aston Villa talent who terrorised Bologna into change

Ian Maatsen was a welcome star of the show as Aston Villa continued their impressive Champions League run at home to Bologna.

Unai Emery's men ran out 2-0 victors at Villa Park on Tuesday night - the goals coming from John McGinn and Jhon Duran. Whilst they may have grabbed the headlines, especially the latter, there were others a part of the manager's altered starting line-up that ultimately came in and seized their opportunity.

Maatsen, a product of Chelsea's academy who helped Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final whilst on loan last season, is regarded as one of the continent's top talents and was expected to burst into the Villa team after his £37.5m summer transfer. Instead the picture couldn't have been any different, with Lucas Digne retaining his place ahead of the young Dutchman.

Last night's win was only his second start of the campaign, adding to a further nine substitute outings in all competitions. These add up to a total of a mere 331 minutes of action.

The manager has no doubt been working his new player up to the speed of his own system, but the match against Bologna proved Maatsen is more than capable of stepping in. Defensively he made three tackles plus two interceptions and clearances each, whilst on the ball he offered an 83.3 percent pass accuracy, including three crosses.

"He was outstanding, for me. Probably one of the best players on the pitch," fan favourite Gabby Agbonlahor said about the full-back on talkSPORT. "He was a nightmare for the right winger - he couldn't get anywhere near him!"

The attacker in question, Riccardo Orsolini, could only complete seven passes under his opponent's watchful eye. With only one shot registered also, he was actually busier in defence with four tackles and three clearances made.

And so the Italian even admitted personally this trouble Maatsen caused him meant that his 46th-minute substitution was 'warranted'.

"There is some regret; we built possession, but we always lacked that something to finish the job”, he told Bologna’s in house media.

"We came here trying to impose our game, but tonight we also met opponents of a high level and in great shape: congratulations to Aston Villa. The substitution was warranted; their full-back practically made me the fifth defender and the coach wanted to take me off also because I was booked."

What did you think of Maatsen's performance? Let us know HERE

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