Last season, in their first year back in the Premier League, Aston Villa struggled- surviving by the finest of margins and a technological blip from goal-line technology. Not to waste that luck, Villa invested in their future last summer, and it has paid dividends. The new Ezri Konsa contract is just the beginning of a promising future.
The young defender has helped lay the foundations for the spotlight shined on Dean Smith’s offensive line. The newly formed backline has been the key to unlocking the potential within Villa’s side. Summer signing Emiliano Martinez has kept 14 clean sheets behind what has been an indestructible wall formed by Konsa and Tyrone Mings.
Many say that you only get a second chance once in life. Villa grasped that second chance and haven’t looked back since- reaching newer heights in the Premier League. Back in the top half now, they’ll look to continue their rise into the future, with Konsa and his new contract playing a vital role.
Konsa New Contract: A Glimpse Into the Villa Future
Unbelievable feeling to extend my contract at this great club. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in my development… Hard work continues! 👊🏽 #UTV pic.twitter.com/zF75IF4k6J
— Ezri Konsa (@EzriKonsa) April 2, 2021
Konsa Ready for England Call
Following an international break which saw England stumble across the line against Poland to make it three wins from three in the World Cup qualifiers, many were left baffled as to why certain players were left out.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, a player who has returned to form, was left out with Kieran Trippier, who has endured a lengthy ban this season, replacing him. A Premier League champion, at 22, Arnold was always going to struggle next to a different central defensive partnership week in week out.
Though, at times, he was the one carrying the Liverpool side. Leaving him out seemed bizarre, but awarding the out-of-form Eric Dier with a call-up over the likes of Ezri Konsa and Michael Keane was an even more baffling choice from Gareth Southgate.
Konsa has been in the form of his life at Villa. He has been part of one of the most astute defences in the league. Dier, in contrast, has been part of a Spurs side knocked out of the Europa League by Dinamo Zagreb despite entering the game 2-0 up on aggregate.
Michael Keane deserves to be mentioned, too, when talking about England. The Everton man should have been nailed on for a place after the season he has had at an Everton side vying for a place amongst Europe’s elite.
Konsa’s omission, especially, was unjustified, however, with the 23-year-old improving each week and rightfully earning a new contract. By the time the Euros arrive, the Villa man must be in contention for a place in Southgate’s plans.
Konsa New Contract Will Help Villa Sustainability
These days, sides such as Aston Villa often end up being a shot in the pan. One season, they are defeating Liverpool 7-2 and competing for a European place and, the next, they’re back in the depths of mid-table. Crucially, however, they have invested in their future, unlike those that preceded them.
Sheffield United were in a similar position last season before failing to capitalise in the summer. Now, they are on the verge of relegation. Villa, meanwhile, have just handed one of their prized assets in Ezri Konsa a new contract.
The defensive wall that has been built brick by brick since last summer looks likely to remain and, as such, so will Villa’s hunt for a consistent place in the top ten.
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