DREAM TEAM

Malen tells his new Villa team-mates they can write fairy tale

- NEIL MOXLEY

DONYELL MALEN has for a simple message Aston Villa's players in the Champions League: Dream big it happened to me, it can happen here.

Villa boss Unai Emery traded up by releasing Jaden Philogene to Ipswich and replacing him for a comparable £21m fee with a Dutch international boasting bags of experience and proven pedigree.

Although he is not eligible for tonight's clash at the Louis II Stadium against Monaco, the 26-year-old can play in the knockout stages.

And he told Emery's players that his experience in Germany with Borussia Dortmund proves anything is possible.

"Last year, in the group stage we had Newcastle, AC Milan and Paris StGermain. People said right away, "They're out," said Malen.