Brian Madjo made a notable debut for Aston Villa in their UEFA Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain in Salzburg. The 17-year-old striker scored his first goal for the club, marking a significant moment after an eight-month wait to play competitively for Villa. His performance, despite Villa’s 2-1 defeat, highlighted why manager Unai Emery has shown considerable interest in the young player.
Madjo’s eligibility to play for Villa was confirmed after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld the club’s appeal to register him. This decision followed a period where FIFA regulations had prevented him from representing Villa due to his transfer from Metz being classified as an “international minor” transfer. Madjo, born in Enfield, north London, to Cameroonian parents, was raised in Luxembourg and had played friendly matches for them.
A Long-Awaited Debut
The striker’s debut goal came into the match at the Red Bull Arena. His celebration was followed by an Instagram post stating, “No distractions, I’m free.” This sentiment reflected the protracted waiting period Madjo endured, which Villa captain John McGinn described as a “terrible year” for the player.
Emery had been eager to integrate Madjo into the first team, pushing for his acquisition from Metz. Madjo joined Villa on his 17th birthday, having made his Ligue 1 debut for Metz at 16 years and 217 days. Emery’s chief scout, Alberto Benito, personally reviewed Madjo’s talent, underscoring the club’s belief in his potential.
Madjo’s physical presence and attacking instincts were evident against PSG’s defence, including Marquinhos and Willian Pacho. Villa defender Tyrone Mings noted Madjo’s strength, describing him as a “tough person to defend against” and highlighting his “very high ceiling.”
During the match, Madjo displayed impressive hold-up play and strength, notably holding off Pacho before volleying in his goal. This goal also saw him break Patrick Kluivert‘s 30-year record as the Super Cup‘s youngest goalscorer. Earlier in the game, he had also created an opportunity for Emi Buendía by dispossessing Pacho.
Impact and Future Prospects
Madjo’s performance against PSG was not an isolated incident; he had previously impressed in pre-season matches, including one against Thai Premier League side BG Pathum United. His ability to score goals and engage physically with defenders has been a consistent feature of his play.
Mings believes that observing players like Ollie Watkins, known for his work-rate, has aided Madjo’s development. Madjo also has the opportunity to learn from experienced strikers such as Tammy Abraham. Mings had spoken with Madjo before the PSG game, noting the teenager’s nervousness but also encouraging him about the potential impact of a single good moment in a match.
Madjo received a standing ovation from the travelling Villa supporters when he was substituted after 72 minutes against PSG. Villa defender Matty Cash praised Madjo’s pre-season efforts, stating, “All pre-season he has put his body around and scored goals.”
The team travelled to Düsseldorf for their final friendly against Borussia Mönchengladbach before starting their league campaign against Brighton. Madjo’s debut has generated optimism among supporters and within the club, with many seeing it as just the beginning of his journey with Aston Villa.
Source: theguardian.com