Aston Villa completed the signing of forward Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund for £21million less than eight months after he helped the German club reach the Champions League final
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.
“I have played as a No.9 and on the left and right. I feel comfortable in all of these. It doesn’t matter where I am asked to play, I will be there.”
Malen has been involved in English football before. He was part of Arsenal ’s academy system after being schooled at Ajax. “The system at Ajax is a big one,” he said, “ I learned different things, a lot of tactical work, dribbling, it just helped me prepare for men’s football.
“It definitely gave me a taste for English football but it is academy football, so it is a bit different. I wanted to return. When I was at Arsenal, I went to a lot of games when I was 16 and 17. I’ve watched a lot of Premier League matches.”
And Malen believes he has additional help in his quest to turn into one of the star turns in the Premier League. Upon his arm is tattoed the words: ‘I just didn’t quit’ in reference to his grandfather, Jooprei.
Asked about the significance, Malen replied: “He always supported me. When I was eight years old I went to a different amateur club. It was 30 minutes away but he drove me every day.
“When I went to Ajax he sadly passed away and he never saw me play for a professional club. But I have a lot of good memories of him. He might not have seen me in person but I know he has seen a lot.”
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