£21m Aston Villa player has now given Unai Emery a real ‘headache’

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Aston Villa are finding their feet after a very tough start to the season.

Unai Emery has now overseen four wins in a row, having gone six games without victory at the beginning of the campaign.

It was Donyell Malen who fired Aston Villa to all three points last time out against Burnley – netting a superb brace – and Danny Murphy believes the Dutchman has now given his boss something to think about.

Unai Emery told he now has a “headache” to deal with in Donyell Malen

The Netherlands international has endured a tough time at Villa Park since his £21m move from Borussia Dortmund in January.

Malen was left out of the UEFA Champions League squad – having explicitly said he was looking forward to appearing in the knockout stages with Aston Villa – but was given a chance against Burnley which he took emphatically.

Discussing his impact on BBC Match of the Day, Danny Murphy said: “It’s a brilliant finish (Malen’s second goal). Again, they can’t cope with the runners.

“That is a hell of a finish, technically brilliant, from a player who we haven’t seen the best of – he shouldn’t have the confidence to go and score that goal. Now he’s given Emery a headache, and what a great headache to have.”

Malen was given the nod ahead of the likes of Evann Guessand, Harvey Elliott and Emiliano Buendia – all of whom represent fierce competition – with his efforts proving that squad depth can breed success for the Villans.

Donyell Malen now being given added responsibility at Villa Park

As aforesaid, it was an odd start to life in the Midlands for Malen – a very experienced player who can boast 45 caps for the Netherlands and 31 appearances in the UEFA Champions League.

However, it seems the 26-year-old is finally gaining a bit more trust at Villa Park.

John McGinn revealed that Malen is the new penalty taker after Ollie Watkins missed against Bologna, which suggests Emery plans to have the Dutchman on the pitch regularly.

The Scotland international said: “I’ve gone down the list after the Brentford one. Donyell was meant to take it, but he was off the pitch, so Ollie was next in line as the striker.”

Hopefully, Malen – who Troy Deeney admires – can now kick on at Aston Villa after his heroics against Burnley.