Fulham v Aston Villa: Prospect backed to follow footsteps of compatriot and team-mate

Exciting Villa talent Alysson can follow his compatriot Joao Gomes as a future Brazilian international star, reckons Unai Emery.

Summer signing Gomes was this week included in Brazil’s 26-man squad by boss Carlo Ancelotti for November’s break.

At 25 former Wolves man Gomes is an older head amid a youthful Brazil squad with an eye on the future and while it comes too early for Alysson, 20, Villa chief Emery feels there is a Samba beat down the line for the exciting attacker.

"Alysson is on the same page, like Joao,” Emery said ahead of Saturday night’s Premier League clash at home to Fulham.

"He's young - of course the difference with Joao is he has experience in the Premier League.

"But the potential they both have is really huge potential. If they be like (they are) now, like be humble, listen, practicing their tasks, trying to understand each match, how you can improve for the next one.

"They are in this way. Alysson too, like Joao, as a Brazilian to get to the national team is something very, very special.

"Every Brazilian player is defending the national team very strongly.

"For Joao it is fantastic, for Alysson my expectation is he will get it as well, but let's see.”

Alysson was a £10.5million January recruit from Gremio in his homeland and featured in three cameos before the end of last term.

He has already featured 13 times this season - two as a starter in the Premier League in the last two outings against Newcastle and Manchester City - and has a first goal for the club against Nottingham Forest.

With summer recruits Ibrahim Mbaye, 18, and Johan Manzambi, 21, as well as Alysson, Villa have worked to refresh their forward line.

Alysson and Paris St-Germain addition Mbaye have already made their presence felt at the club, though the boss stressed their need for time - and said occasions like Wednesday’s disappointment at Bournemouth for a much-changed squad can help.

He said: "The experience is a very important thing. They need time.

"With experience normally we are better.

"But sometimes, or always, young players need this time to get it.

"I like a lot to work with talented players, to progress with them and to try to get the right mentality, the necessary mentality to compete at this level.

"How hard is each match? How hard is each duel with the opponent? A very, very good example is the last match we played in Bournemouth."

Emery’s side are bidding to respond from the midweek EFL Cup exit by maintaining their improved Premier League form.

Villa look to back up last weekend’s stunning home success over Manchester City with Saturday night’s visit of Alvaro Arbeloa’s Fulham.

“Fulham are playing very well, they are competing fantastically in the last (few) matches,” said Villa’s boss. “Of course the coach has experience in England, he played here, and in football for some time.

“He had very good coaches. Now, with how they are playing, is like with a coach with experience.”

New Villa Park midfielder Gomes, meanwhile, could add to his 10 caps for Brazil with fixtures in Southeast Asia against Japan and hosts Singapore on November 14 and 17.

Emery said of Gomes: "Joao is progressing very well and with his individual objectives as well. With us and for the national team that is really fantastic.”