Russell Slade has shared how one current Aston Villa star was actually similar to Harry Kane after getting to work with both players early on in their careers.
The Villans are on course to be playing Champions League football next year.
They have been outstanding over the last 18 months under Unai Emery; moving from the periphery of the relegation battle to the top-four.
What Emery has done with a number of players has been remarkable – culminating in that stunning win over Arsenal at the weekend which put a big dent in the Gunners’ title hopes.
Former manager compares current Aston Villa star with Harry Kane
One player who shone in the game was Ezri Konsa, with the 26-year-old once again deployed at right-back in Villa’s backline.
Konsa has been so consistent and reliable during his time at Villa Park, making nearly as many appearances on the right as he has in the centre this season.
But it seems that his development into an England international was always on the cards.
Speaking to The Athletic, Russell Slade shared how impressed he was by Konsa when the youngster began his professional career at Charlton Athletic.
“His consistency levels were incredible. With the raw materials he had, he deserved his opportunity,” he said. “Ezri had an ability to read the game. If he made mistakes, he wouldn’t make the same one again. He was a pleasure to work with because he knew he didn’t know everything. There’s a common thread with him and Harry Kane who I coached; they picked the brains of management and the experienced players.”
Ezri Konsa has become Mr Reliable for Villans
Konsa has been so reliable in the Premier League. He has missed just three league games since the start of last season.
And he is integral to the way Villa play. As shown by FBRef, no Villa player has completed more passes in the Premier League this season. And only 13 names across the division have completed more passes than him.
That is particularly important given the bravery that Emery’s defenders often have to show on the ball.
The exciting news for Villa is that there is still time for Konsa and a number of his teammates to improve further.
Certainly, this season does not appear to be the ceiling for Emery’s side.
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