Konsa Embraces Leadership Role at Villa
Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has revealed his pride at wearing the captain's armband and believes his game has elevated to a new level this season. The 26-year-old led the team out for their midweek UEFA Europa League victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv, stepping up in the absence of regular skipper John McGinn.
This leadership opportunity comes as Konsa continues to be a mainstay in the side, having now made 251 appearances for Villa since his arrival in the summer of 2019. While he acknowledges club captain McGinn's recent milestone of 300 appearances as a "great achievement," Konsa has actually started more Premier League games than the Scot this term.
Consistency and Fitness Key for Villa Defender
Speaking about his own journey and ambitions, Konsa highlighted the fundamentals behind his success. "It's a great achievement for me," he said regarding his appearance tally. "For John as well, 300 appearances is not easy, especially at a high level. So for me and him, it's about staying consistent, staying fit. That's the main thing. If you're fit, you play. Especially here, if you're doing well, you play."
With a major international tournament on the horizon, the defender is focused on maintaining his high standards. "I'm going to try to stay fit. It's a big year. I'm going to England. It's all about staying fit, staying consistent and continuing to play well. And that's it for me really," Konsa added, confirming his belief that his performances have reached another tier this campaign.
Addressing the 'Crisis' and Looking to Bournemouth
The defender also addressed the external perception of a minor slump after Villa suffered back-to-back away defeats, including a loss to Liverpool. Konsa, however, insisted the squad's belief never wavered. "I think for you guys on the outside, it looked like we were hitting a bit of a crisis," he claimed. "But for us on the inside, as players, we always believed in ourselves. We always knew that all it would take was one game to click. And it's happened. It was only a matter of time."
He analysed the Liverpool defeat specifically, stating, "We made two mistakes which led to two goals. I don't feel like Liverpool created that many clear-cut chances." The focus now shifts to Sunday's fixture against high-flying Bournemouth, a match Konsa knows will be a stern test. "The last couple of seasons they've been really good," he observed. "No game in the Premier League is easy... We have to bounce back on Sunday because we know how tight the table is. A win gets us back up there as well."
