Aston Villa transfer target Marcos Acuna started Sevilla’s UEFA Super Cup defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday evening.
Despite strong links and suggestions that the 31-year-old will be heading to the Premier League very soon, it was great to see the player remain professional and start for his team.
In what was a topsy-turvy campaign for Sevilla last season, Marcos Acuna was a key member of the side that won the Europa League and was very unfortunate to be on the losing side yesterday.
In the sweltering heat of Greece, Acuna, inside half an hour, provided a glimpse to Aston Villa fans at what could be coming up when his quite stunning cross was powered home by Youssef En-Nesyri.
That cross was too hot to handle for Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and summer signing, Josko Gvardiol, as En-Nesyri did his best Duncan Ferguson impression.
From a defensive aspect, Acuna was aggressive, he remained in his shape and he battled hard against eventual goalscorer, Cole Palmer.
During the 90 minutes, and before Pep Guardiola’s side could win the contest on penalties, Acuna showcased his worth and proved why Unai Emery wants him at Villa Park.
Positive week ahead for Villa?
Added with Nicolò Zaniolo, the quicker Villa can get a deal done for the Italian and Acuna, the better because it will lift a group that has just been through a pretty bad week.
Those two big injuries have rocked the club, but it’s about remaining calm, reshaping the jigsaw and trying to look forward to putting three points on the board against Everton.
Given that game will kick off on Sunday, then it will be interesting if Zaniolo and Acuna are signed up by then.
And dare it be said, possibly be in with a chance of playing if their signatures are signed, sealed and delivered in time.
Either way, the Villa Park faithful are very much looking forward to some positive news because there is a pretty big season ahead.
