Despite Moussa Diaby, Aston Villa’s summer acquisition, starting the season well, Unai Emery says the player is still getting used to his tactical demands.
This season, Diaby has started every one of Villa’s first ten Premier League games and has contributed six goals. With Ollie Watkins, he has forged a devastating final-third tandem that creates more chances for each other than any other in the league.
Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Luton Town saw Diaby score for Villa, and he was also instrumental in the team’s third goal, when Tom Lockyer diverted his cross into his own net. Hatters manager Rob Edwards acknowledged that Diaby was too hot to handle after full time.
“You keep one man quiet, in Watkins and if he doesn’t get you then the other man does – Diaby was exceptional today,” Edwards stated. “He was really dangerous and had amazing movement.
“He picks up dangerous positions in pockets of space and the threat he had in behind us today was the difference in the game.”
Head coach of Villa Emery is certain that Diaby will keep getting better as he gets to know his teammates and the system he is playing in.
“The adaptation takes a long time, the adaptation of his teammates, in our idea, our demands is being long and needs time,” Emery stated. “It wasn’t quite acceptable that he was in our team and was familiar with our style when he scored against Newcastle. Nope.
“We are working with him both individually and collectively, and he is in a position where he can connect with Watkins.” The process is proceeding on schedule. We have to take our time since that is a process that is being built.
After full time, Matty Cash continued to sing Diaby and Watkins’ praises, stating: “It has developed really quickly.” Ollie has been playing in the league for a long and is in fantastic form, while Moussa has adapted to the league quite quickly. Our goal is to maintain our players’ intensity and that of the boys up front.”
