Bjorn Engels backs Wesley to come good for Aston Villa
Bjorn Engels has backed Villa record buy Wesley to prove his worth in the Premier League.
The centre-back believes the Brazil striker has all the attributes to be a success in England’s top flight, despite a slow start since joining in a £22million move from Club Brugge this summer.
Wesley is yet to open his account for Villa but Engels, his former Brugge team-mate and fellow summer signing, does not believe supporters will be waiting long to see the best of him.
“He’s a top guy and has everything to be a top striker,” he said. “He’s got strength, speed and the ability to score goals. He’s got everything he needs to be important for us in the Premier League.
“He’s not had one big chance yet, maybe one or two small chances. When he gets this chance, he’ll score it.”
Engels and Wesley were among 12 new arrivals at newly-promoted Villa during the summer transfer window and both have started the club’s opening two Premier League fixtures.
They previously played together for Brugge before Belgian defender Engels moved to Olympiacos in 2017.
“He improved a lot over the years,” said Engels. “I still followed Brugge after I left and he was playing very well. He had some great seasons and was important for them.”
Villa are assessing the fitness of Kortney Hause ahead of tomorrow night’s home game with Everton. The defender has been suffering with a hamstring problem sustained in pre-season.
Jonathan Kodjia (ankle) is also a doubt.
