Youri Tielemans’ early goal against Romania at Euro 2024 was significant for Aston Villa as well as Belgium.
While the summer comes to life at Villa Park, attention was briefly turned to Euro 2024 on Saturday evening, as Youri Tielemans was in action for Belgium.
The Aston Villa midfielder started for his country against Romania, playing 72 minutes as the Red Devils claimed a 2-0 victory.
Tielemans stole the show for Belgium before the two minute mark as he netted the opener, scoring a goal that meant more than just his country taking the lead.
Youri Tielemans became the first Aston Villa player to score at the Euros in 20 years
Netting the first goal of the game after just 73 seconds saw Tielemans score the fastest goal in a major international tournament in Belgium’s history.
The strike symbolised the 27-year-old’s first goal at the Euros in his career however, it also meant something for Aston Villa.
By scoring for Belgium, Tielemans became the first Villa player to score at the Euros in 20 years.
The last player to score at the tournament whilst representing Villa was Marcus Allback who scored for Sweden during Euro 2004.
Considering that Allback retired back in 2011, it’s been long overdue to see a Villan score at the competition, reinforcing the delight that many Villa fans would have experienced when seeing Tielemans net his first.
Tielemans impressed for Belgium against Romania
The Villa man was lauded for his part in a ‘wonderful’ Belgium goal by journalist Roberto Rojas and showcased his brilliance during his country’s victory.
Tielemans came into the starting XI to partner Amadou Onana, a switch in personnel that encouraged the Red Devils to flourish going forward.
Not only did the 27-year-old score, but he put in a well-rounded performance, seeing him excel in the central areas as he so commonly does for Villa.
After his performance against Romania, it is hoped that the Villa ace will be handed another starting spot ahead of the final group game against Ukraine.
As well as seeing more of Tielemans, those at home at Villa Park will be hopeful of seeing other representatives score at the tournament, with Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and John McGinn also on display.
It was a strong display from Tielemans, who was lured out of his shell by Unai Emery in the early stages of his Villa career, seeing him become a vital part of the Spaniard’s XI.
His goal and all-round play was typical of the Belgian when at his best, with plenty more to come from the midfielder.
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