Aston Villa forward Donyell Malen has emphatically answered his critics with a dazzling display on international duty, scoring a superb solo goal for Holland just days after a brutal assessment of his performances.
Malen's Moment of Magic for Oranje
The £21 million January signing found the net in Holland's 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory against Lithuania this past week. According to Dutch outlet Football Oranje, Malen scored a 'fantastic solo goal' to seal the win for his nation, which has already qualified for the next World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
This stellar performance provided a stark contrast to his previous outing for the national team. Just days earlier, in a 1-1 draw with Poland, the same publication delivered a scathing review, stating he 'got the ball a lot but did very little with it' and suggesting the right wing position remains a 'big issue' for Oranje.
From Dortmund Doubts to Villa Revival
Malen's journey at Aston Villa has mirrored this recent international swing in form. After his move from Borussia Dortmund, where he scored 39 goals in 132 appearances and reached a Champions League final, the Dutchman initially struggled to adapt to life in Birmingham.
However, under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, Malen is enjoying a new lease of life. He has made 35 appearances in all competitions for Villa, scoring seven goals, with three of those coming this season. His resurgence has been so significant that he has recently kept high-profile summer signings Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho out of the starting lineup.
Villa's Charge for the Champions League
Malen's return to form is a timely boost for an Aston Villa side building momentum. The club recently thrashed AFC Bournemouth 4-0 at Villa Park, a match in which Malen also scored, with Emi Buendia, Ross Barkley, and Amadou Onana completing the rout.
After a slow start to the campaign, Unai Emery's men are now 6th in the Premier League, sitting just a single point off the top four. Their objective is clear: to secure a return to the Champions League after missing out last season. The team travels to Elland Road this Sunday to face Leeds United, aiming to continue their positive run.
For Donyell Malen, his fantastic solo goal for Holland is more than just a strike in a qualifying match; it is a powerful statement of intent, proving his quality and signalling that he is finally finding his feet as a key player for both club and country.