'Top pro' is praised for putting his frustration behind him

UNAI Emery has praised Donyell Malen for his response to being left out of Villa's Champions League squad for the knockout rounds.

- By JOHN TOWNLEY

Malen was Villa's first January signing, costing £20m from Borussia Dortmund, before Andres Garcia joined from Levante. Then, in the final days of the window, Villa also signed Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi on loan.

Emery could only add three new players to his squad for the knockout rounds of the Champions League and decided to leave out his two permanent arrivals.

“There are rules,” Emery said to Sky Sports. “We had to take the decision in the dressing room, being responsible, being mature, trying to be honest with every player, then trying to get the best out of them.”

Malen knuckled down after facing the disappointment of being left out, scoring three goals in as many games against Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Southampton.

“As a manager, you have to understand that sometimes being honest, face to face, is the best way to get your response,” Emery explained.

“Malen is a very good professional. He is understanding. He did not sign here for six months. He signed to be here, hopefully, for a long time.