Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has delivered a glowing assessment of winger Evann Guessand's initial months at the club, while also confirming the date the Ivorian will become unavailable due to international duty.
Emery's Positive Verdict on Villa's New Signing
Speaking ahead of his side's clash with Arsenal, Emery expressed his delight with the £30 million signing's adaptation process. The Spaniard stated he is "so, so happy" with Guessand, who has made 17 appearances across all competitions this season, starting six Premier League games and all five of Villa's Europa League fixtures.
"He needs time, and he's competing very well," Emery said. "He's working hard to adapt quick, to get tactically everything we need." The Villa boss also praised the player's defensive work, highlighting his commitment to the team's structure.
Finding Guessand's Best Role in the Team
A key point of discussion has been determining the 23-year-old's most effective position. Emery clarified that while Guessand can operate across the front line, the coaching staff have identified his ideal role. "We decided to play him as a right winger," Emery confirmed, explaining the decision is to best utilise his individual skills within the team's collective tactical objectives.
Guessand's only goal so far came in the Europa League against Go Ahead Eagles. More recently, in the match against Brighton, he was credited with an assist for Ollie Watkins' opener and saw a header saved before the decisive goal.
The Looming AFCON Departure
Emery provided a clear timeline for when Villa will lose the services of their attacker, who is expected to be selected for the Ivory Coast squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. "I think next week is the last week for him," the manager stated. "He will play with us until Sunday against West Ham. We are playing in Basel on Thursday and on Sunday in London. And after the West Ham match, I think he's leaving."
This means Guessand is set to miss a potentially significant run of Villa fixtures during the tournament, posing a fresh challenge for Emery's squad depth in the attacking third.