Aston Villa have gone bonkers in the transfer market this off-season as manager Dean Smith looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the club’s Premier League return in two weeks time. No fewer than ten players have walked through the door at Villa Park, including four centre-backs.
Both Kortney Hause and Tyrone Mings have returned on permanent deals following successful loan spells last season with Ezri Konsa and Bjorn Engels the latest additions to the central defensive ranks. They add to long-serving James Chester who still remains at the club despite not featuring since January due to injury.
However, after making his debut in pre-season, some Villa fans have made it very clear on who they would like to see line-up alongside Mings against Tottenham Hotspur on the 10th of August. That man is Engels.
One member of the Villa support claimed the 24-year-old looked very comfortable in slotting in alongside Mings, highlighting his good range of passing out of defence. Others could foresee the pair becoming a great partnership saying Engels was composed and calm.
Villa thrashed League Two side Walsall 5-1 thanks to goals from fellow new signings Wesley Moraes and Jota as well as captain Jack Grealish. Engels played 70 minutes in the game and clearly impressed the Villa faithful.
Further supporters were quick to praise their new man asking him to keep working hard for the team and to make the position his own from the start of the season. Another fan brandished the Belgian an instant hit, describing him as amazing. The 6 foot 4 defender was also called an array of superlatives including quality, cool, and solid.
You can read the best of the reaction below:
And you looked very comfortable slotting in at right side of Mings. Good passing out of defense .
— Edvard Remberg (@edvardr) July 25, 2019
Great debut, looked composed and calm. Can see a great partnership with mings on the horizon
— Anthony Harper (@anthonymharper) July 25, 2019
Played well mate! Looked solid and gelling well with @OfficialTM_3 UTV
— carl mitchell (@carlmit28751338) July 25, 2019
Looking good on your first outing. Well done Bjorn! Keep working for the team and make the position your own from the start of the season. ????????????????
— Linvilla (@Linvilla2) July 25, 2019
You were amazing. An instant hit for me. KEEP IT UP @AVFCOfficial
— Chas Benson (@dartman501) July 25, 2019
Impressive debut. Looking forward to seeing more from you ???????? ????????
— Aimee (@aimee_1874) July 25, 2019
Quality big man, welcome aboard ???????????????????????????? #UTV
— GAS Villa (@gasvilla66) July 25, 2019
Cool, calm, solid in the air & good on the deck too! Great start to your Villa career. Long may it continue ????
— David Barran (@BarranDj) July 25, 2019