African players abroad PREMIER LEAGUE : ASTON VILLA MANAGER SMITH PRAISES MARVELOUS ZIMBABWEAN STAR

ASTON Villa Manager Dean Smith has reportedly praised Zimbabwean midfielder, Marvelous Nakamba’s impressive performance in the 1-0 Premier League win over Arsenal on Saturday.

Birminghammail quoted Smith hailing the Zimbabwean who has been a subject of transfer speculation this season.

I haven’t changed the team too much this season because the players have done enough to keep their jerseys. I decided to rest Bert in the last game and Douglas (Luiz) in this game. Marvelous has come into three games now and we have kept three clean sheets so I know the players who are on the sidelines at the moment aren’t happy being there, but I know they will do the business when they are called upon,” Smith is quoted saying

I just felt we needed some fresh legs in the midfield area. Douglas had played every minute of the last five games; John (McGinn) had missed just one having sat out of the Newcastle game suspended. I felt it was best to rest Douglas for this game and ‘Naka’ has come in and gave us some really good energy. He is more of a defensive midfielder than Douglas and gives us something a little bit different.”

Earlier, Smith also singled out Nakamba for praise after the 2-0 win over Newcastle United a few days ago.

 “Marvelous came in against Newcastle and was excellent, and that is important. When you have good structure and organisation, players can come in and they know their roles,” he said.


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