Ezri Konsa has remained a key part of Aston Villa’s defence since Dean Smith signed the centre-back for a reported £12m in 2019. And this season has seen the youngster continue his development.
As per Sky Sports News, the 24-year-old defender has the joint-best dribbled past record in the Premier League this season. At 0.12 times per 90, Konsa is one of the hardest players to beat in the English top-flight, along with West Ham star Kurt Zouma.
Indeed, this revelation throws more light onto how impressive Konsa is as a defender and how underrated the Villa star is in the Premier League, with the former Brentford star yet to receive an England call-up from Gareth Southgate.
Konsa said about his one-on-one defending: “It is just about having that mentality that you are not going to get beat no matter who you are up against.”
The Villa star added: “Have it in your head that when it comes to one-on-one situations you are going to win the battle. It is about working hard in training. Sorting out your feet.”
With such a mentality, it’s no wonder that Konsa thrives in these situations. And it makes his lack of international recognition even that more surprising given the list of defenders who have played for England.
Villa fans speechless over Konsa stat
Whilst Konsa’s qualities have been on full show for Villa this campaign under both Smith and Steven Gerrard, supporters on social media are still surprised how impressive the 24-year-old has truly been in one-on-one situations.
Here’s what some Villa fans had to say on Twiter about Konsa’s incredible defending stat in the Premier League this season…
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