Aston Villa have been linked to Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, here’s what Thierry Henry thinks about the Villa target.
Unai Emery will consider his and Monchi’s work in the summer transfer window to be strong so far, with seven arrivals making Villa Park their new home.
Aston Villa’s presence in the transfer market is far from shrinking, as the Midlands club look set to complete further deals before deadline day.
In recent weeks, the hunt for a new striker has heated up following doubts over Jhon Duran’s future and the departure of Moussa Diaby.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is a reported target for Aston Villa this summer, with some past comments on the forward giving Emery some inspiration to chase the 27-year-old.
What Thierry Henry thinks of Aston Villa target Jean-Philippe Mateta
Everyone can give an opinion on a footballer however, not many opinions are as useful as those of a former player.
Arsenal’s record goalscorer Thierry Henry is one of the finest examples of a figure qualified to give an assessment of a striker, which he once did with Mateta.
In a pre-Olympics press conference, the former Premier League great described the qualities that the Villa target has, as relayed by GFFN.
“He’s an old-fashioned striker, you can play a little more direct. He can keep the ball. He’s a boring striker to play against, he doesn’t lose the ball much, and he goes at the last defender.
“He uses his physicality, he’s good with his head, and he scores. It’s important that a striker like that gives you another dimension. He was also voted Player of the Year at Crystal Palace. It seems to me that he’s not too bad.”
A striker who has earned Henry’s approval can’t be ‘too bad’, giving Villa fans something to get excited about if rumours are to be believed.
Mateta could be perfect for what Unai Emery needs
Villa are aware of the potency that Mateta can bring to the front line on his day, as the Frenchman put three past Emery’s side on the final day of the 2023/24 campaign.
In fact, Mateta has a stellar record against the Midlands club, contributing to six goals in the five times he’s lined up against them, telling of why Emery might be keen to acquire him.
Henry’s assessment of the rumoured target is encouraging, particularly when considering the profile that Villa need this summer.
With Duran likely leaving, an alternative to Ollie Watkins is a must, which is what Mateta could offer given the profile Henry described.
The almost static yet silky presence of the Palace star contrasts with that of Watkins, which would hand Emery two reliable strikers with opposing styles, perfect to combat the demands of different matches.
It would be fascinating to see Villa pull off the signing of Mateta, who is in a rich spell of form having netted 16 Premier League goals last term for the Eagles.
