Ayew scored his first Championship goal in the draw with Barnsley on Tuesday night.
Aston Villa manager Roberto di Matteo has told reporters, as quoted by the club’s official website, that he is delighted with the effort and form of Jordan Ayew.
Having already netted in the disastrous EFL Cup defeat to Luton Town in August, Ayew scored his first Championship goal for Villa on Tuesday night against Barnsley at Oakwell.
That goal was not enough to secure just a second win of the season and first away triumph in 14 months, however, as Villa continued their recent trait of conceding an equaliser in the closing minutes.
Ayew has been one of Villa’s best players so far this season despite some flaws to his game, although some fans have occasionally accused him of looking disinterested.
Di Matteo has come out in support of the Ghanaian, hailing the consistency of his performance and insisting that he is one of the hardest workers at the club.
The Italian said, via the club’s website: “He’s been playing consistently at a very good level. I must say if you look at his stats from the first game onwards, he’s always put the effort in.
“You can’t recognise it in his facial expression. He’s not a guy who maybe smiles too much on the pitch.
“But I can tell you he always puts an effort in, puts everything in for the team, gives his all and the stats confirm that every single game.”
Ayew arrived at Villa from Ligue 1 side Lorient last summer and was the club’s top goalscorer in their disastrous relegation season last term.
In total he now has nine goals in 47 appearances in all competitions for the club, and Villa fans will hope he can spark a revival of their fortunes sooner rather than later.
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