Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans is finally relishing life at the club with statistics proving that he is one of the best in the Premier League when it comes to one thing.
It’s not been an easy ride for Youri Tielemans at Aston Villa.
After signing for Unai Emery’s side from Leicester City as a free agent in the summer, there was a lot of anticipation to what the Belgian could bring to Villa Park.
The 26-year-old had to wait for his time to show his worth, starting only seven of his 24 Premier League appearances, leading to him expressing his frustrations.
When on international duty back in September, Tielemans admitted that his time at Villa was ‘not pleasant’ due to a lack of game time, a frame that has since changed dramatically.
Youri Tielemans is one of the Premier League top performers this season
As relayed by Twitter account Aston Villa Statto, Tielemans is close to topping the charts in one vital area this season in the Premier League.
Only Liverpool dynamo Diogo Jota is averaging more goal-creating actions per 90 in the league this term than the Villa midfielder.
Averaging 1.07 per 90 for Emery’s side, the Belgium international falls just below Jota who averages 1.12 per 90 for the Reds, reinforcing just how efficient he has been in the final third this term for Villa.
Despite receiving his fair share of criticism earlier in the season, Tielemans’ ability to turn things around is admirable, especially now that he is inhabiting a position different to his usual.
Why things are now working out for Youri Tielemans at Aston Villa
At Leicester City and Anderlecht, the 26-year-old was known for his magnificent contribution to the midfield, fielded in the typical ‘number eight role’.
This season at Villa, Emery positions the FA Cup winner narrowly behind striker Ollie Watkins, in what has proven to be a successful shift for Tielemans as he continues to display his playmaking strengths.
The Belgian’s growing compatibility with Watkins is working well for the Villans, as highlighted by the duo’s combination for the Englishman’s second against Fulham on Saturday.
Lauded as “tremendous” by journalist Luis Miguel Echegaray, the assist for Watkins uncovered another reason why he is now succeeding at the club, with him ranking in the top 1% of midfielders in the Premier League when it comes to his rate of through balls per 90 (1.07).
From being a player who was considered a strong figure in rotation to being a crucial part of Emery’s attack, Tielemans now looks to be hitting his stride in the Midlands, as the statistics suggest.
