Aston Villa defender Easah Suliman captures U-19 Euro glory
By Phil Newman
Aston Villa had one representative in the victorious England squad that captured Under-19 European Championship glory. Defender Easah Suliman played the full ninety minutes and scored the opener in a 2-1 victory over Portugal.
Congratulations to Aston Villa defender Easah Suliman!
Suliman, 19, played a huge part in winning the under-19 European Championship for England. Suliman lined-up at center back for the entirety of the tournament, his preferred position.
England rolled-out with this lineup in the final Saturday: Ramsdale (GK), Sterling, DaSilva (C), Edun, Suliman, Buckley-Ricketts, Dozzell, Mount, Sessegnon, Nmecha, Johnson.
Portugal: Diego Costa (GK), Dalot, Queiros, Conte, Pires (C), Joao Filipe, Fernandes, Dju, Rui Pedro, Queiros, Quina.
Other English Championship clubs were well represented. England’s joint-top scorers with three goals a piece were Forest’s Ben Brereton and Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon.
Suliman is one of Villa’s brightest young talents. Though, surprisingly, he has not made his first senior appearance. Steve Bruce’s potential variant of a 3-5-2 could open a place for extended looks in the first team for a center back. The cover behind Baker, Terry, Chester is at, at best, nefarious.
Micah Richards is point blank abysmal.
Moreover, Tommy Elphick might be on his way out amid interest between Championship clubs Leeds United and Birmingham City. Christopher Samba has yet to be offered a contract after six months of training with the claret and blue.
Suliman, however, is extremely well prepared for a role in a three center back system. His versatility as a right back and center back usually translates well in a 3-5-2 formation.
Next: Aly Cissokho is leaving Aston Villa
That dream might be short-lived. Suliman spent the latter half of the 2016/2017 season on-loan at Cheltenham Town. The England youth international made twelve appearances with his loan club.