I watched 9/10 Aston Villa ace tear Fulham apart, he’s now Unai Emery’s star player

Marco Silva’s men couldn’t get near him. Pinged passes here, dribbles out of trouble there, and then a vital assist to top off an outstanding day at the office.

One goal and four assists in 11 appearances across all competitions so far; soaring to new heights following a tricky start to life at Villa Park; making a huge summer departure feel all the more insignificant. Have you guessed who I’m on about yet?

It’s Youri Tielemans, of course. What a player the Belgian international has proven himself to be and he’s very quickly becoming Unai Emery’s star man.

The first half of last season was a frustrating time as Tielemans struggled to earn regular starts due to Douglas Luiz’s remarkable form. Some experimentation from Emery allowed Tielemans to work his way in gradually, though, as he took up positions just behind the striker and on each flank.

Consistency in one position has finally been founded for the 27-year-old this campaign as he has stepped into the role left vacant by Luiz’s summer transfer to Juventus. Merely five Premier League minutes have been missed so far and it’s now difficult to imagine Villa without their number eight in midfield.

The performance in the 3-1 win at Fulham encapsulated all the fine work the 74-time Belgium international has consistently managed over the past few months. The terrific inswinging corner for Ollie Watkins’ goal proved crucial to put Villa ahead but his overall passing game was the most impressive aspect of his display.

Tielemans misplaced just six of his 68 pass attempts and created four chances throughout. He also bossed Andreas Pereira, Sander Berge and Emile Smith Rowe around, tricking them to come forward and press before play a clever pass out of trouble or darting away on the half-turn.

I wasn’t the only one galvanised by Tielemans’ fine showing in the capital as Emery couldn’t be happier with his midfielder’s efforts.

“Tielemans is improving after last year. His adaptation was sometimes not consistent, but this year he has started fantastic and he is feeling comfortable,” the head coach said during the post-match press conference.

Another opportunity for Tielemans to dazzle awaits on Tuesday night as Villa play host to Bologna in the UEFA Champions League. The Villans will be eager to continue their European purple patch following two wins out of two against Young Boys and Bayern Munich.