Aston Villa have a big talent in Alysson – and Unai Emery is already trusting him

Aston Villa have no shortage of exciting youngsters, but few would have expected Alysson to emerge as one of the club’s breakout stars before a ball was kicked this season.

Signed from Gremio for just £10 million back in January, both he and Brian Madjo were recruited for the future as Villa began to reduce the average age of their squad and add more teenage talent to Unai Emery’s ranks.

Then, after a huge summer of change at the club, the likes of Johan Manzambi and Ibrahim Mbaye were signed, while George Hemmings started each of Villa’s first six matches of the campaign.

Madjo and Hemmings also started in the UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain, doing themselves and the club proud despite a 2-1 defeat in Salzburg. Alysson, also fresh from catching the eye in a few pre-season cameos, enjoyed an impressive final 20 minutes.

Soon after coming on, he skipped past William Pacho before managing to squeeze a cross past Nuno Mendes. The delivery led to a great chance for Joao Gomes to equalise, but his shot was blocked.

After making his Champions League debut against Club Brugge in September, Alysson scored Villa’s first league goal of the season against Nottingham Forest, drawing Emery’s side level with a header after coming on at half-time.

Given 17 minutes against Fenerbahce, the 20-year-old impressed once more, grabbing an assist for Tammy Abraham’s goal, the sixth of the night. The winger raced down the flank and served the ball on a plate for his teammate.

Then came a huge vote of confidence in Alysson from Emery, as he not only started in the win at Newcastle, but also against Viking in the Champions League and then again at home against Man City.

“This season he has had some pain and we must try to be careful, but give him confidence to feel comfortable as well,” Emery said of the Brazilian. “Also, so he can understand our demands, playing tactically, individually with his skills and collectively with the clear task we have in the team.

“Every minute he is playing, practising, he is fantastic. We can see his power. We can see that if he can get consistency, a lot of things he is doing… wow.

“He should be a player who can help us. So, patience, consistency and every day being careful with him. Keep going forward, keep going forward and be ready to play 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes or even in the starting XI for the next matches.”

Alysson is not yet the finished article – which is an exciting prospect – but he has the talent and temperament to become an important asset for Emery this season. Not only is he direct and quick, but he has also been producing an end product despite starting just five games at this stage.

Last time out, against Man United, he scored the opener, took the shot which led to Nicolas Jackson’s goal moments later and then won a penalty early in the second half. Had Villa held on to their lead late on, we’d be talking about Alysson playing a key role in a special win at Old Trafford.

Emery has two options for each of the supporting roles around Jackson, but right now it’s hard to argue against Alysson deserving a run in the team. Only 20 years old, Alysson isn’t short of confidence, making for a menacing combination when paired with the dangerous skill set that makes him such a threat to any defender.

Close to compatriot Joao Gomes, Alysson has also been given the motivation by Emery that a call-up to the Seleção won’t be far away should he continue to perform.

"Alysson is on the same page, like Joao. He's young - of course, the difference with Joao is he has experience in the Premier League. But the potential they both have is really huge potential,” Emery said.

“If they be like [they are] now, like humble, listening, practicing their tasks, trying to understand each match, how you can improve for the next one. They are in this way. Alysson too, like Joao, as a Brazilian, to get to the national team is something very, very special.

"Every Brazilian player is defending the national team very strongly. For Joao it is fantastic, for Alysson my expectation is he will get it as well, but let's see.”