Aston Villa’s recent upturn in form has certainly been since Marvelous Nakamba made his Premier League debut. The Zimbabwe international has taken to Premier League football like a duck to water, becoming a fixture in Villa’s midfield since starting against West Ham United.
Marvelous Nakamba Key to Improved Aston Villa
Pushing Others Forward
Marvelous Nakamba arrived for a cool £11 million during the summer window. He was lacking fitness and sharpness when he first arrived, so Dean Smith allowed his new midfielder to settle into the country and get used to his new surroundings. Joining former teammates Wesley and Bjorn Engels helped him settle further.
Nakamba endeared himself to the fans after deciding to miss the September internationals to get his fitness and match levels up. He then hasn’t looked back since making his debut against West Ham. He was outstanding on his Premier League debut regularly making blocks and starting attacks. Villa’s form has drastically improved since Nakamba came into the team, with the Villains collecting eight points from six matches in that time.
The Zimbabwe international has allowed Jack Grealish, John McGinn, Conor Hourihane and Douglas Luiz to push further forward. His abilities on the pitch have been well appreciated by teammates and fans. He breaks downplay brilliantly, relieving pressure on the defence, but he also gets Villa motoring forward. There is no denying the vital role Nakamba plays in the Villa team and Smith will be absolutely delighted with how he has started life in English football.
Nakamba Will Be Crucial Against Liverpool
Aston Villa welcome Liverpool to Villa Park this weekend hoping to spring a shock on the league leaders. Nakamba will be vital to Villa’s chances of getting a result. He will have to stop the likes of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane while also batting Liverpool’s athletic midfield three. Nakamba, while trying to stifle Liverpool attacks will also have to get his team motoring forward. Villa will give him the ball in the heart of midfield, and he must release the likes of Grealish, McGinn and Wesley. Nakamba has been outstanding since his debut and even in defeat at Manchester City, the strong, determined midfielder still played extremely well.
He is an Icon in Zimbabwe
When Marvelous Nakamba joined Aston Villa, he became the fourth Zimbabwe international to play in the Premier League. He is looking a tremendous acquisition thus far. His home nation adores him and his move to England has sent plenty of excitement around the country. He is a true icon of Zimbabwe and his likeable personality and attitude have made him a fan favourite wherever he has played football. Vitesse Arnhem, Club Brugge and Aston Villa fans have taken the humble midfielder to their hearts. At 25-years-old, the best years of his career are still ahead of him.
A statue is already in the pipeline back in his home nation. This shows how adored he is and certainly, his football has put Zimbabwe on the map. Nakamba is simply marvellous and his continued form at Aston Villa will be vital in their quest to stay in the Premier League.
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