Johan Manzambi earned praise from Unai Emery after scoring the winner in Aston Villa’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.
The midfielder made the decisive impact with the only goal of the game, and Emery highlighted his mix of technical quality, intelligence and physical strength.
“Skills and intelligence, both he has, and his physicality is very important as well to help us defensively and to help us try to keep the duels offensively,” Emery said.
“So happy. Of course another goal he has scored. Fantastic for him as well.”
There was a slight concern late on, however, with Manzambi taken with just under 20 minutes remaining.
“I don’t know then he was a bit tired and maybe something muscular, hopefully not much,” Emery said.
The Villa boss also praised the way Manzambi has adapted to the demands of the team.
“He has been a very good impact with his qualities and his wish to join us in the same challenges and performances in the last three or four years playing as well consistency in the Premier League in the top positions as well in Europe.”