Malen revs up after a 'difficult' start to Park life

DONYELL Malen needs no external motivation to make his mark for Villa.

- By JOHN TOWNLEY

The forward, who arrived at Villa Park from Borussia Dortmund in a £20 million deal in January, made an impressive start to preseason by assisting both goals in the 2-2 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday night.

Malen’s strong performance in Louisville adds more fuel to the belief he can play a key role in the upcoming campaign.

It wasn’t an easy start for the Dutchman, who was left out of Villa’s Champions League knockout squad and started only two Premier League games last term.

“When I came it was always going to be a bit different,” he told the Birmingham Mail. “A few things were difficult but I think I handled it quite well. I just tried to help the team and hopefully this season I can do the same and play more.