‘Almost’ - Man Utd target identifies ‘difficult’ Aston Villa player following Ajax draw

Ajax sensation Brian Brobbey has singled out Emiliano Martinez for praise following their 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.

A drab affair at the Johan Cruyff Arena resulted in Unai Emery’s men grinding out a gritty draw. Villa supporters were treated to a jolly in the Dutch capital but, on the field, a dull game saw both teams manage just one shot on target each.

But Emery and Co will be confident of taking Ajax back to Villa Park and putting on a show to book their place in the quarter-finals. Winning the Conference League would end a 28-year wait without a trophy, with the final set to take place in Athens.

While hopes for European football next year look optimistic, clinching the Conference League also offers another avenue for UEFA competition next season. Bookmakers currently make Villa the favourites ahead of Lille, Fiorentina and Fenerbahce.

Putting Ajax to the sword next week will make Villa fans believe they can go all the way and end the silverware drought. Emery’s men must keep red-hot Manchester United target Brobbey quiet again if they are to progress.

The 22-year-old has bagged 19 goals across all competitions this season and reports in January linked with an Old Trafford move. His first test against Premier League opposition proved frustrating and, post-match, the striker was frustrated by Martinez and Villa’s “difficult” backline.

“I think I had to do quite a lot of sprints,” Brobbey told Veronica Inside. “Every time we played the ball long, the goalkeeper was there.

“This match was quite difficult for me, on my own up front of course,” Brobbey adds. “But I think I played a good match. (Villa) also played really high, almost on the halfway line.”