Aston Villa star Donyell Malen has told the media in the Netherlands of his elite mentality while on international duty with the Oranje.
Malen has had to dig deep since signing for Villa from Borussia Dortmund in January 2025. After he was omitted from the Champions League squad in favour of loanees Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, the former PSV forward found himself in an awkward tactical situation.
The 26-year-old has been a positive addition for Villa manager Unai Emery. He’s still finding his place in the Villa side but has shown flashes of his best this season.
“It wasn’t always easy in a new environment, a new league, and with a new manager,” Malen admitted in an interview with the Dutch press, during which he identified Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi as the toughest defender he’s faced in his short time in the Premier League and described Birmingham as “a bit less fancy” than London.
“I had to keep my head down and focus on myself and keep doing the right things. Stay calm. When I came on as a substitute, always think I’m going to do it. Even if the playing time is limited. Even if it’s just five minutes.”
Malen scored two brilliant goals to beat Burnley in October while operating a position that hasn’t always been suited to Emery’s system. He’s been asked to fill in at centre forward and, at times, has had opportunities on the right.
It’s quite clear his most potent role originates in the channel between the two and part of Emery’s challenge this season is to extract more performances in the Burnley mould from the Dutch attacker.
“I’ve always maintained that mentality, and it’s what got me where I am today,” added the Netherlands international.
“Ultimately, I know I’ll always come out on top. A sportsman’s career doesn’t always go from zero to one hundred. Sometimes you take a step back.”
Life at Villa has presented some challenges but Malen ultimately believes he is cut out for the Premier League and will make his mark as he approaches his peak as an elite footballer.
“The Premier League is the best league for me,” said Malen.
“Compared to the Bundesliga, it’s much more intense. The speed of the game is much higher, and the quality of the squads is better. Every player wants to play in the Premier League.”
It’s been a successful international camp for Malen and the Netherlands, who secured their place at next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Villa man’s beautiful solo goal concluded the scoring in the Oranje’s 4-0 win over Lithuania in Amsterdam, the victory that made absolutely certain of an automatic qualification that was effectively already done and dusted.
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