Simon Jordan has hailed Aston Villa forward Wesley for his performance against Everton on Friday evening.
The 22-year-old Brazilian registered his first goal in English football in the 2-0 win over the Toffees – a result that saw Villa put their first points on the board after their return to the top flight.
And Jordan was suitably impressed with the impact of the 6’3″ colossus [Transfermarkt].
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “One particular player who stood out for me was Wesley. I liked a lot about him.
“He reminded me a lot of John Carew. He had this presence and power. He bossed the centre-halves. I like his shoulders back attitude, I like the fact he attacks the ball.
“I think he’s going to do a good job for Villa.”
? Tammy Abraham
? Mason Mount
? Harvey Barnes
? Wesley
? Joelinton@SJOpinion10 & @DannyKellyWords pick their top 5 Premier League stars from the weekend with @NissanUK. ?Who was your star man? ? pic.twitter.com/wtxkM5pLTi
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) August 26, 2019
TiF Tactics – What does Wesley bring to Villa?
On paper, there is no reason why Wesley cannot be a big hit for Aston Villa.
The Brazilian is big and powerful, and his natural athleticism makes him a nightmare for defenders.
As he proved against Everton on Friday, however, he is so much more than a battering ram.
Taking his performances in the Europa League for Club Brugge as an example, it is evident that Wesley is a live wire with a creative streak too.
During his run in Europe he averaged two shots on goal, two key passes, and a pass success rate of 80% [Whoscored].
He may only be three games into his career in England, but already he looks as if he might be finding that kind of form at Villa Park too.
Friday might have been his first goal, but he is already getting in 1.7 shots on goal and a key pass per game, as well as winning two aerial duels per game.
He still has a long way to go before he can perform like that every week, and one goal will not define his career, but there’s a lot to be excited about.
How important is Wesley to Villa?
It’s early days, but the big worry for Dean Smith will be that if he were to lose Wesley, his side would look awfully thin up top.
The Villans have only got Jonathan Kodjia and Keinan Davis as senior cover for the Brazilian, with Scott Hogan out on loan at Stoke City.
Of those two, Kodjia looks the more likely to deputise as an out-and-out striker, but compared to Wesley, he looks a little lightweight.
Kodjia managed 1.5 shots and 0.7 key passes per match in the Championship last term, as well as winning just 1.1 aerial duels [Whoscored].
Those number aren’t terrible, but if that’s your only real cover going into a Premier League season, you better hope your Plan A doesn’t get injured.