Taylor Harwood-Bellis has admitted he still has plenty of room for improvement, but he is convinced that working under Unai Emery at Aston Villa will help him reach the top level of the game. The 24-year-old defender has signed a long-term contract with Villa after the club agreed a deal worth up to £30 million with Southampton for his transfer. Harwood-Bellis, who has been capped by England, arrives as a replacement for Ezri Konsa following his departure to Arsenal.
A 'massive' move and a point to prove
Speaking to VillaTV, the centre-back expressed his pride at joining a club of Villa's stature and outlined his determination to kick on in his career. “Full of pride. Obviously, to sign for a club like Aston Villa is massive for me and my family. I'm so proud,” he said. “To come to a club of the stature of Villa is something I wanted to strive for in my career, and to get here now, it's time to kick on.”
Harwood-Bellis believes the move is the perfect fit at this stage of his development. “I think I'm at a point in my career where I'm ready to kick on. To come to a club with the manager, the stature and the squad that's been assembled, it's going to be the right fit - probably perfect for me to come in and add to my game and improve. I've got so much to improve on while giving everything I can. Obviously, to have a manager like the one here is massive. All I've heard is that he improves players, and that's what I'm coming here to do - and to win in the process.”
Learning from every manager
The defender has played for several clubs during his career and says he has taken something from each manager he has worked under. He is now eager to absorb Emery's methods. “At every club I've been at, I'd like to think I've improved in different ways. I've taken things from each manager, and now to work under a manager like the one here is huge for me. It's a massive step up, something I'm going to thrive on, and I'm willing to learn.”
He added: “As I said before, I've got so much to improve. I'm hoping he can add to what I can already do, add to my qualities, and help me get myself underway and start winning.”
Physical and mental readiness
Harwood-Bellis feels he is in the best shape of his career, both physically and mentally, after a strong campaign last season. “Physically I'm the best I've ever been. Mentally, I feel like I'm as robust as I'm ever going to be. I put that into practice last year, and I'd like to say I've been rewarded by coming to a club like Aston Villa.”
He is determined to repay the faith shown in him by the manager and coaching staff. “I'm ready to crack on and show people that I've improved, and pay back the faith the manager and coaching staff have put in me by bringing me here.”
Champions League ambition
The prospect of playing in the Champions League with Villa is a major source of excitement for the new signing. “The club in general being such a prestigious Premier League club, and then having the added bonus of the Champions League, is something that fills me with nothing but excitement. I can't wait to get out there and show that I can hopefully do it on the biggest stage.”
He referenced Villa's recent European pedigree, including their run in the Champions League and their Europa League triumph. “Obviously, we've seen the success the club has had in Europe, winning the Europa League and going so far in the Champions League. Giving PSG their hardest game that season was massive. I know the club can relish playing in Europe as well, and hopefully we can go a step further.”
Leadership and determination
Off the pitch, Harwood-Bellis identifies leadership and determination as his standout qualities. “I think off the pitch, leadership and determination are two of my biggest qualities. I'm willing to give everything to win. I think that's been shown at the past clubs I've been at.”
He added: “I'd like to think that anyone who's watched me play can see that I wear my heart on my sleeve and I'd do anything to win. People I've worked with always mention my determination and passion.”
On the pitch, he believes he has quality in possession and has improved defensively, but he is eager to continue developing. “On the pitch, I like to think I've got qualities on the ball. Obviously, defensively, I've improved so much. But I'm willing to go again. I want to improve again. I'd like to let my feet do the talking in terms of the qualities I can add on the pitch. I'm raring to go.”
Fans and atmosphere
Harwood-Bellis is looking forward to playing in front of Villa's supporters, having experienced the atmosphere as an opponent. “I remember when we played Villa that season. Obviously, we got beaten, but the atmosphere was class. It's a hard place to play, so to have the fans on my side now is going to be incredible.”
He also praised the travelling support. “I can't wait to get out there. We know how passionate they are, both home and away. Obviously, playing against them at St Mary's as well, the away fans were non-stop all game. So, I can't wait to get in front of them and have them on our side now. Hopefully, we can have some good moments together this season.”
