Aston Villa Star Labelled Brian Brobbey Plus By Ex-Netherlands Star | OneFootball

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Former Netherlands international Theo Janssen has praised Aston Villa youngster Brian Madjo as a ‘great player to watch’, describing him as like a plus version of Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey.

The 17-year-old forward joined in January from Metz for a fee close to €12m, after Aston Villa’s scouts spotted his potential.

The London-born striker had to wait for FIFA clearance before becoming eligible to play competitive fixtures for Villa, first making his debut in a friendly against Elche in March, which ended in a 2-1 defeat.

After a 212-day wait, the forward finally made his competitive bow for the Villans against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday night.

Although the Parisiens claimed a 2-1 victory, Madjo provided a bright spark for Aston Villa by scoring their only goal of the game, becoming the youngest player to score in a UEFA Super Cup fixture while also registering six shots during the match.

Janssen was impressed by the 17-year-old’s physical presence, particularly given his age, and highlighted the power and energy he brings to his game.

He also praised Madjo as an exciting player to watch, with his physical qualities making an immediate impression.

The former Netherlands star ultimately drew comparisons with Oranje striker Brian Brobbey, describing Madjo as a ‘Brobbey-plus’ to underline the qualities he believes the Villa talent possesses.

Janssen said on Ziggo Sport (via Voetbal Primeur): “He is seventeen years old and has a physique like that.

“Unbelievable.

“Great player to watch.

“Lots of energy, lots of power.

“He is a bit of a Brobbey-plus.”

Madjo has already found the net four times across Aston Villa’s six pre-season fixtures and Unai Emery will be hoping that form carries into the Premier League campaign.

Another surprise move could also be in the offing at Villa Park, with a return for former player Jack Grealish said to be not out of the question.

Villa have one final friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach before opening their Premier League campaign against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on 23rd August.

With Madjo’s pre-season form putting him in contention for a debut against the Seagulls, it remains to be seen who Emery will have alongside the youngster when Aston Villa’s campaign gets under way.