Aston Villa’s dynamic forward, Donyell Malan, has revealed the compelling reasons behind his move to the club, stating that the team’s style of play and the clear vision of the coaching staff were the major factors that drew him in.
“I think the way they play, I think the coaches are where the club wants to go,” Malan told Premier League Productions.
“I watched a lot of Premier League, so I knew about Aston Villa games a lot and I remember always thinking it’s a cool stadium.”
He says Villa manager Unai Emery’s demanding and honest approach suits his game. “He is [demanding]. I think it helps me. He’s always demanding and honest and he wants the best from you and from himself.”
Malan appreciates the detailed level of coaching too. “You have a lot of coaches who come to you with small details about certain players or certain things that they can do, where you can take advantage of. So yes, that really helps me.”
Malan quickly made an impact, scoring his first Premier League goal away at Brighton before netting his first at Villa Park, off a cross from former teammate Ian Maatsen.
While Malan enjoyed a flying start at Villa Park, he has also had tough moments, like being left out of the Champions League squad last season, which was a difficult experience. “To be honest, it wasn’t easy and I didn’t like it either.” He chose, however, to use the experience as motivation to better himself.
“I’m just going to take it for what it is. It doesn’t define me as a player. Just a choice. And I’m going to respect the choice, I think I handled it quite well.”
This self-belief and drive to continually prove himself is a key part of his mentality, which he believes is vital in the high-stakes environment of the Premier League.
Looking ahead, Malan confirmed that earning a spot in the Netherlands World Cup squad at the end of the year is a major motivator. “It’s a big target… Proving yourself to be there and that you belong there. And that you can do something in that World Cup to help your country is something that really motivates me as well.”
The full intensity of Malan and Aston Villa’s challenge will be on display as they face Liverpool this weekend.
