Watching Donyell Malen featured in the role that he was for Aston Villa against Eintracht Frankfurt is understandably beginning to raise excitement levels. The Dutchman showed last season that he is quite capable up top, as he would often come on for Ollie Watkins late as the lone striker to finish out the match.
Against the Bundesliga team, Malen was on the right in the midfielder role of the 4-4-2 formation that Unai Emery opted for. With a flat midfield (as opposed to a diamond midfield), there is a lot of potential strain that can come with this system.
It will be interesting to note if Emery continues with this going forward. If the Spaniard chooses to, though, Villa supporters will be able to see Malen continue to provide an imposing presence on the right-hand side for the opposing defenders.
Particularly with two strikers, it will provide a lot of chances for Malen to go one-on-one with the opposing left back. Or, as was seen in the latest preseason friendly, there is also going to be plenty of opportunity for the Netherlands international to find space in behind.
Intriguing opportunity for Aston Villa player
With Malen's pace and vision, he will be able to create a lot of high-quality looks for Villa. While he finished the match against Frankfurt with two assists, he nearly put one in the back of the net early on himself.
Villa fans have already seen how clinical Malen can be when given the chance. Given this potential new look by Emery, with a 4-4-2, he will firstly be able to see more consistent minutes. This is something that is likely to garner nearly universal praise from Villa supporters. Either out wide or up top, Malen is someone who will be able to take advantage of this potential change in formation.