Dean Smith tells Aston Villa record buy Wesley to ignore social media criticism
Dean Smith has told Wesley to block out the social media noise after backing Villa’s record signing aims to silence his critics.
The £22million Brazilian striker has experienced a mixed start to life in the Premier League and faced flak from some fans following a below-par display in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Burnley.
Smith this week revealed Wesley had been quick to hold his hands up in admitting he was some way from his best against the Clarets. The boss has now advised him to ignore the haters, ahead of Saturday's trip to Norwich.
Asked if the 22-year-old was aware of the criticism directed his way, Smith said: "What Premier League player now hasn't got an Instagram account or a Twitter account?”
“I always say to the players it's foolish if you allow comments from other people. You can block them very easily.
"I'm sure he (Wesley ) will have read a few of the comments. I've told all of the players: 'Block it, you don't need to hear it. You know if you've played well or if you haven't played well'.
“Every footballer knows that when they've came off the pitch. Don't worry about people in football making an opinion on you. You do what's best for you and your family.”
Smith revealed he and Wesley, who has scored two goals in seven Premier League appearances, had reviewed clips of the player’s Burnley performance to pinpoint areas he can improve.
The former Brugge hitman has netted against both Everton and Arsenal this term and shown glimpses of the player Villa expect him to become.
Smith said: “The performance Wes put in against Everton back in August, he didn't show against Burnley.
“Against Everton he was all-action, all-energy, making the ball stick in and around him, giving the two centre-halves a really tough time. He just didn't do that and was the first to admit that.
"He knows we expect a better performance from him and, at the moment, he's searching for consistency. I thought it was a good performance from him at Arsenal and I wanted him to follow that up with one at home.
"He'll get better and better and I - and the dressing room - have no doubts about that as well.”
