Zion Suzuki has got off to a great start in his Aston Villa career, and that has been recognised by the Villa fans, who have voted him as their player of the month for September.
There was no award for August as the club had only played two games by that stage, so the Japanese goalkeeper has won the first fan award of the 2026/27 season.
Suzuki was involved in five matches in September, starting three times in the Premier League, once in the Champions League and played the second half of Villa’s Carabao Cup tie.
While he conceded six goals in those games, it is mostly his in-possession abilities that have made him a fan favourite early in his Villa career, as his distribution from the back is unlike anything the club has had before and has been a joy to watch.
His best performance as a shot stopper came in the last game before the international break against Tottenham. Suzuki made four saves in the first 21 minutes of the match which kept Villa in the game despite a prolonged period of Spurs pressure.
The goalkeeper was also involved in Villa’s second goal that day, launching a goal kick towards Nicolas Jackson who eventually scored after an assist from Johan Manzambi.
Suzuki was named man of the match by TNT Sports for his performance, and was really let down by his defense as Villa conceded two late goals. He did have one clean sheet in September though, keeping out Hull City in a 0-0 draw.
The 24-year-old had huge gloves to fill in replacing Emi Martinez and so far looks up to the task. Perhaps the only thing missing so far has been the jaw-dropping saves Martinez routinely made.
It is very difficult to blame Suzuki for any of the goals Villa conceded this month, but the difference between good goalkeepers and great ones is the ability to save shots they have no right to.
His best save so far was probably the one he made against Tottenham’s Archie Gray, as he somehow managed to react in an instant, using his heel to flick a shot wide that looked destined to go through his legs and into the net.
Suzuki is currently away with the Japan national team, and after he did not feature in their first friendly due to a rib injury, he was able to play the second half of their game versus Venezuela on Monday, easing any concerns that his injury could impact Villa beyond the international break.
Being named player of the month is a fitting reward for the impressive start Suzuki has made to life at Aston Villa. The goalkeeper signing was one the club could not afford to get wrong, and he has rewarded their faith so far with assured performances between the sticks.
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