Unai Emery discusses Donyell Malen role after Burnley win and singles youngster out for praise

Unai Emery was thrilled to see Donyell Malen flourish in a new role as the Dutchman bagged both goals in Aston Villa's 2-1 triumph over Burnley. Malen broke the deadlock on 25 minutes, pouncing on Boubacar Kamara's perfectly-weighted pass before shrugging off Maxime Esteve and slotting past Martin Dubravka.

The forward doubled Villa's advantage after the interval, firing a precise effort beyond the ex-Newcastle United stopper following Morgan Rogers' assist inside the penalty area.

The double represented Malen's first brace in any competition since February 2024, when he found the net twice for Borussia Dortmund in their Bundesliga clash with SC Freiburg.

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Against the Clarets, Malen was given licence to roam centrally behind Ollie Watkins with limited tracking-back duties, while Matty Cash was stationed on the flank, with John McGinn offering extra protection.

The tactical switch proved inspired, with Emery delighted to witness his plan come to fruition.

"We are doing something like that with Guessand, but Guessand is getting more on the right side," Emery explained when asked about Malen's position as the second striker. "We want them to attack the goal. With Malen, he played more central and not defending on the right.

"We wanted to get the structure and John McGinn helped to play lower. Really, Malen played fantastic and he felt comfortable. He felt like he was in the position to help exploit his qualities.

"We are thinking in our structure and then adapting of them. We were trying to get one player to attack aggressively in behind. If we can get Malen close to the box, he has qualities and is a fast player to shoot and he is clinical. Today he showed it.

"He was not getting physically some matches before, like against Sunderland and Feyenoord he had an action like today. Getting confidence and trying to give them positions on the field where they are really feeling better to exploit their qualities. Today he got it.

"Our demands are high demands," Emery continued. "He always works well and has a commitment to try his best is there. Sometimes he performs better or worse.

"I spoke to him yesterday about the position I wanted him in today. He is one player more to help Watkins get to the opponent box. He did fantastic. The most important thing, like with Watkins not scoring, he still did his work."

Emery hailed Lamare Bogarde’s progress at Villa after the youngster starred in the win against Burnley.

The 21-year-old impressed in multiple roles, featuring both as part of a back three and in midfield alongside Boubacar Kamara.

Bogarde completed 56 of his 58 passes and produced a strong all-round display during his 89 minutes on the pitch, breaking up play and distributing possession with composure.

Asked about the Dutchman’s development in recent weeks, Emery praised his mentality and growth.

“Fantastic, because he is getting mature as a person,” Emery said. “He was here when I arrived three years ago. Since then, until today, his development is clear.

“He was out on loan and then wasn’t playing. Sometimes we were demanding of him, pushing him and punishing him sometimes.

“He has reacted fantastically and he is playing with confidence. He is adding us one player more as a midfielder and a centre-back.

“I think his best position is a midfielder. We are also adding other players from injury like Barkley and Onana.”

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