Young at heart of fast rise
ASHLEY YOUNG helps give Aston Villa’s prematch team talks, boss Unai Emery has revealed.
Ex-england international Young, 37, returns to his old club Manchester United today with Villa.
He has helped Villa enjoy a stunning 10-game unbeaten run to climb to sixth in the chase for European qualification.
Boss Emery said: “He is very important in the dressing room.
“I am using him a lot of times when we are speaking together before matches about our experiences – my experiences and the players’ experiences.
“Ashley Young is very important because he had a very good career.
“He had a lot of experiences in Manchester United and Inter Milan. He played in European matches, key matches, under pressure.
“I want to use him with his experiences to tell us about how he felt in each moment.
“On Sunday as well he will be important.
“Maybe he will say just three words or a short message to us.
“Usually before the matches I want the players as well to ask how they are feeling and how they are facing each match.”
Despite his advancing years, Emery is certain Young has more football left in him.
Ex-villarreal coach Emery said: “I think football has changed.
“Now every player has the best preparation to get a longer career.
“Ashley Young is an example. I had players like this at Villarreal too.
“If you didn’t know his age you could think he is 28 because every day, even as much as he is playing, he is playing very well.
“You were seeing players of 32-34 starting to finish their careers 20 years ago.”
Young’s form could earn him a new contract at Villa with his deal up this summer.
Emery added: “We are going to speak about him. He can extend his career.”