Aston Villa striker Wesley didn’t impress everyone on Saturday.
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has told the club’s official website that he has been pleased with striker Wesley Moraes despite criticism from pundits.
Villa lost 2-1 at home to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, as Josh King and Harry Wilson struck first half goals for the Cherries at Villa Park.
Douglas Luiz hammered home a superb goal for Villa, but they couldn’t find an equaliser, making it two defeats in a row to start their return to the Premier League.
Villa need to find some form soon, ideally starting with Friday’s game against Everton, and they’ll be needed a killer instinct from Wesley.
The big-money summer signing from Club Brugge worked hard against Tottenham, but failed to really impress against Bournemouth, leading some to wonder whether he’s really the striker Villa need.
Pundits have been criticising the Brazilian, with Paul Ince claiming Wesley moans too much and doesn’t play the game enough, with Stan Collymore feeling that Wesley needs coaching from a veteran like Emile Heskey in order to impact games.
Wesley hasn’t quite hit the ground running so far this season, but Smith has defended his striker, suggesting that he has been pleased with his performances so far.
Smith added that Wesley was a presence in attack and just needs to get used to Premier League football, seemingly hoping that people will lay off the 22-year-old.
“Wesley had a couple of chances – the keeper has made a save and one has been deflected,” said Smith. “He was a presence up front. He ran down the sides of them, too. He’s starting to get into the speed of the Premier League. It will take time for a few of them. But I have been pleased with his performances so far. All he needs is a goal now,” he added.
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