Big clubs missed a trick with Jota – O’Kelly
JOTA is preparing for his Premier League debut with Villa next month after his summer switch from Blues.
the 28-year-old Spaniard made the move across the Second City with Gary Gardner going in the opposite direction.
Jota worked with Villa’s management team when he first came to England to play for Brentford five years ago.
And Villa boss Dean Smith’s right-hand man, Richard O’Kelly, was surprised that no top-flight clubs took a chance on Jota when he became Blues’ record signing in 2017.
Smith and O’Kelly jumped at the chance to be reunited with Jota when they found out about t his availability this summer.
“In some ways Jota was an easy one once the opportunity came to get him in here, having worked with him before,” said O’Kelly, speaking from the club’s training camp in Minnesota.
“A short period at Brentford ord first time, then he had to go back to Spain to get things sorted out. When he came back to Brentford he was Premier League class.
“It surprised me that nobody else came in for him and he ended up going to Blues. But to w work with him again now, already in pre-season he’s shown the quality and class he’s got.”
O’Kelly insists Jota has the graft to match the c craft he will bring to Villa’s sq squad.
“A “Also the work ethic,” he added. “People tend to look at wide players and midfield players and don’t understand how much work they put in. I think Jota’s right up there in the running stats every day.”
Jota is looking forward to making his mark in claret and blue after leaving the club’s fierce rivals.
“Becoming a Premier League player was important for me and something I’ve been looking for. this is one of the biggest clubs in England,” he said.
“Everyone knows how big this club is. You can feel it every time you play them. I felt it from the other side of the city in those big derby games.
“there was a great atmosphere at Villa Park every time and I’m proud to be part of this club now.”