Claret Villans
Fansided

Aston Villa: Anwar El Ghazi flourishes in club debut

By Josh Tonti

EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 20: Anwar El Ghazi of Ajax celebrates scoring his teams second goal of the game during the Eredivisie match between PSV Eindhoven and Ajax Amsterdam held at Philips Stadium on March 20, 2016 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 20: Anwar El Ghazi of Ajax celebrates scoring his teams second goal of the game during the Eredivisie match between PSV Eindhoven and Ajax Amsterdam held at Philips Stadium on March 20, 2016 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

New signing Anwar El Ghazi flourished in his Aston Villa debut, showcasing the precocious talents that made him one of Europe’s preeminent wing prospects a few years back. The 23-year old assisted Ahmed Elmohamady’s opening goal in the second-half.

Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw with Reading FC was a disappointment, but amid the club’s indifferent start, there remains a ton of optimism. Perhaps none more than the recent arrivals of Anwar El Ghazi and Yannick Bolasie this week.

El Ghazi, signed on Wednesday, started on Saturday at left-wing in Steve Bruce’s lineup. The Netherlands international logged 66 minutes on the pitch before being replaced by Albert Adomah.

The stat line? Impressive, to say the least. El Ghazi assisted Aston Villa’s only goal of the match – a pacey, in-swinging cross that evaded all but the head of Ahmed Elmohamady. He recorded a further three shots-on-target, completed two key passes and two successful dribbles. Oh, and if not for a point-blank reaction save from Reading ‘keeper Vito Mannone, he would have scored, too.

More from Claret Villans

El Ghazi’s combination of pace, skill, size, and two-footed ability should have Villa supporters salivating over his potential. Not only this season, but in possible future seasons as well, should the club utilize the option-to-buy in January or June (reported £8 million, per Lille press release).

Next up for the player is a possible bench appearance midweek in the Carabao Cup second-round. He could use a late run out before being ready for the full 90 minutes away to Sheffield United on 9/1.

El Ghazi’s flourishing debut was a refreshing reminder what this club is capable of when everything gets put together. The established front five is nothing short frightening.

Between Jonathan Kodjia, El Ghazi, Jack Grealish, John McGinn, and Adomah/Bolasie, Aston Villa should be scoring a wild amount of goals this season.

Home/Aston Villa News