Imperious Ezri Konsa delivers outstanding performance as Villa demolish Bologna, why he is key to beating Forest | OneFootball

Aston Villa claimed a 4-0 win over Bologna to advance to the semi-final of the Europa League last night.

The Villains made light work of their opponents, claiming a comprehensive 7-1 win on aggregate.

Goals from Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Buendia, Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa earned Villa a deserved win. They face Nottingham Forest in the last four.

While Watkins, Rogers and Buendia will get most of the plaudits for their attacking contributions, Konsa also had a case for being the best player on the pitch.

Bologna’s biggest threat on the night was Santiago Castro, but the Villa defender marshalled him for 90 minutes,

Konsa won two out of three aerial duels and one ground duel. He made four clearances and blocked one shot.

He was equally superb on the ball, completing 31 out of 34 passes and recording eight ball carries. Besides his well-taken goal, he was key to the win.

That display underlined exactly why Konsa could be decisive in the semi-final against Forest.

While Forest are battling relegation domestically, they possess a genuine Europa League threat in Igor Jesus, the competition’s top scorer with seven goals.

Containing him will be priority number one, and Konsa looks tailor-made for the task.

His ability to read danger early, dominate physically and stay composed in one-on-one situations gives Villa a crucial edge.

He showed he can nullify a focal point striker against Bologna. Despite his sharp movement, Jesus will find little joy if Konsa replicates that level.

With Unai Emery chasing yet another Europa League crown, Villa will approach the tie with confidence.

The Villains look the more complete side, blending attacking firepower with defensive assurance.

If Konsa anchors the backline the way he did in the quarter-final, Villa should have enough to edge past Forest and book their place in the final.