Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has praised the immediate impact of winter signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, expressing hope that their experience and quality will be crucial in Villa’s Champions League last-16 clash against Club Brugge.
The new arrivals have hit the ground running at Villa Park. Asensio scored a brace in Villa’s FA Cup fifth-round victory over Cardiff City, with Rashford assisting his first goal.
Notably, Rashford created six chances in that game – a figure never surpassed in his 426-game career at Manchester United, according to Opta. Since making his Villa debut, the rejuvenated forward has created more shots across all competitions (13) than any other Premier League player.
Emery Praises Rashford & Asensio’s Impact
Ahead of Villa’s trip to Brugge on Tuesday night, Emery was full of praise for his two new attacking stars:
“We are always trying to improve the team and the squad by adding players with different qualities.”
“We added players with experience in this competition, players who have played at the highest level. They will help us a lot.”
“The process of adapting is going well. We are getting better and figuring out how to use them effectively within our structure.”
Emery also stressed the importance of teamwork, highlighting that success is built collectively, not through individual brilliance:
“Football is a collective game. Each player must fit into our structure and contribute to our goals.”
“This is a challenge for me as a coach, a challenge for the players, and each one of them has their own objectives as well.”
“Hopefully, we can share success together over the next three months, achieving our collective and individual goals.”
Emery’s Champions League Pedigree
With Rashford (12 goals in 33 Champions League appearances) and Asensio (a three-time winner with Real Madrid), Villa boasts valuable experience for their European campaign.
Emery himself is no stranger to success in European competition. Aston Villa is now the fourth different club he has led into the Champions League knockout stages – a feat matched by only three managers:
- Carlo Ancelotti
- Jose Mourinho
- Claudio Ranieri
With Villa pushing for a top-four finish in the Premier League, Emery hopes Rashford and Asensio will play a key role in delivering silverware and Champions League success for the club.
