Aston Villa’s success this season has won over the heart of Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson, who was full of praise for the club and Unai Emery ahead of the Europa Conference League clash.
Aston Villa are preparing for their Europa Conference League battle against Ajax on Thursday evening, a chance for Unai Emery‘s side to assert their dominance ahead of the home leg.
The Johan Cruyff Arena will play host to the two sides, who will have their eyes set on reaching the quarter-finals.
Unlike Villa, Ajax didn’t qualify by winning the group but instead dropped out of the Europa League in the group stages to feature in the Conference League.
Despite Ajax’s history making them one of the biggest clubs in Europe, the current squad is far from such stature at present, sitting fifth in the Eredivisie after a disastrous start to the campaign.
Theoretically, Villa should be considered the favourites based on their quality this season, a level of performance that has captured the eye of Ajax midfielder, Jordan Henderson.
What Jordan Henderson said about Aston Villa
Speaking in the press conference ahead of the tie, Henderson shared his knowledge of playing against Villa during his time in England.
“I’ve played against them 22 times but the match I remember most is losing the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. I’ve won against them more times than I’ve lost but that’s the one that hurts the most. Crazy enough, defeats always linger longer.”
Villa’s 2015 victory at Wembley over Liverpool will remain in Henderson’s mind however, the Englishman will be facing a far different quality of side on Thursday, which he commented on pre-match.
“It’s always difficult against Aston Villa. That was already the case as a young player at Sunderland and later also with Liverpool. And it will also be the case tomorrow.”
“I saw Aston Villa on television this week against Luton Town and they are just a very good team. Perhaps one of the best form teams in Europe. And I’m a fan of the manager Unai Emery.”
Why Ajax should fear Aston Villa
While Henderson’s record against Villa has been strong over the years, the 33-year-old could face a different outcome on Thursday, with Emery’s side in strong form.
Ajax will be aware of Villa’s threat based on their results against AZ Alkmaar this season, who currently sit above Ajax in the Eredivisie table.
Villa scored six goals against AZ in the group stages to claim two wins against the Dutch outfit, the same side that has already defeated Ajax twice this campaign.
With the likes of Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey and Douglas Luiz all in searing form, Emery will have confidence that his side can get the job done in Amsterdam, with the manager’s eyes on adding another European trophy to his collection.
