Dean Smith hails Frederic Guilbert for Aston Villa debut

Add as preferred source on Google

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith hailed defender Frederic Guilbert after he made a brilliant debut for the club on Friday night against Everton.

Villa get their first points on the board in the Premier League by beating Everton at home 2-0, with Wesley Moraes and substitute Anwar El Ghazi on the scoresheet.

The Midlands club showed their quality in attack with several chances, while defensively they stood firm too.

Guilbert came into the first-team for his debut and replace teammate Ahmed Elmohamady at right-back.

The 24-year-old was a constant outlet for Villa on the right flank with his runs forward, while defensively he stood firm and handed Bernard well.

Smith praise the French full-back after his display and also noted his express pace is a key part of his game.

“He’s a really good player. He’s come in pre-season done really well, but he’s had to earn the shirt of Elmohamady. He’s a good player, he’s rapid as well and there are not many people that will go past him. Really good defender,” Smith said on Sky Sports’ Main Event channel (10:10pm, 23 August).

TBR’s View:

Guilbert had to be patient in the opening two league games by watching on from the sidelines, but after just one appearance it looks like he could be around to stay in the starting XI.

He’s got all the tools of a modern day full-back with a great balance to his game and he’s going to trouble a lot of players with his pace.

The most impressive aspect of the defender’s performance is that he booked up a yellow card just five minutes into his debut, but that went almost unnoticed in the contest and it didn’t impact his display.