"This is amazing. I’m very happy," Donyell Malen expressed with a beaming smile during his first interview as an Aston Villa player.
The Dutch forward has made the switch from Borussia Dortmund to the Premier League, and he couldn’t be more thrilled about this new chapter in his career. Reflecting on his decision to join the English club, Malen highlighted a combination of factors that made Villa Park an irresistible destination. "The ambitions, the coach’s vision, and the beautiful stadium those were the key things for me. I still remember the first time I walked into this stadium as a player for the Under-23s: Wow, what a stadium. The atmosphere, even then, was unforgettable."
Malen’s excitement wasn’t just about the facilities or the club’s aspirations. It was also deeply personal. As a former Arsenal youth academy player, he admitted that playing in the Premier League had always been his dream. "This is a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to play here. After my time at Arsenal, I knew I wanted to return to England one day. Now it’s finally happening, and I’m ready to give everything for this club."
Before sealing the move, Malen sought insights from fellow Dutchman Ian Maatsen, who will now be one of his teammates at Aston Villa. "Yes, we exchanged some messages. Ian spoke very highly of the club, the team, and the city. He said great things about the atmosphere at the club and how supportive everyone is. It gave me a lot of confidence to make this decision. I’m excited to meet him again and share the pitch with him."
Malen’s arrival has generated a buzz not only among fans but also within the footballing community. Former Netherlands international Jeremain Lens was among those who praised the move. Speaking on Viaplay, Lens emphasized Malen’s potential to thrive in the Premier League. "I’m really impressed by him. At Dortmund, he faced some challenges initially, but at one point, he found his rhythm and was doing very well, especially as a substitute. He showed he could make a difference in games when called upon."
Lens also pointed out Malen’s key attributes that make him a valuable addition to Aston Villa. "He’s very fast, which is a huge asset in the Premier League. He can create space for himself with ease, and he’s got a sharp eye for goal. That combination of speed, skill, and finishing ability is rare, and it’s exactly what Villa needs."
However, Lens didn’t shy away from addressing the challenges Malen might face. "The competition at Aston Villa won’t be easy. They have some excellent players, particularly in the attacking positions. Leon Bailey, for instance, is a very talented winger who has been performing well. But I don’t think Malen is any less capable. His profile fits Aston Villa perfectly. He brings something different to their attack, and that could make him a standout player."
Aston Villa’s ambitions under manager Unai Emery were also a significant factor in Malen’s decision. The club has been making strides in the Premier League, aiming to establish themselves as consistent contenders for European qualification. Emery’s tactical acumen and reputation for developing players were key selling points for Malen. "The coach has a clear vision of what he wants to achieve, and I believe I can play a big part in that. His style of play suits me, and I’m eager to learn and grow under his guidance," Malen said.
Fans are already dreaming about what Malen could bring to the team. His versatility as a forward allows him to play in multiple roles, whether as a central striker, a winger, or even a second striker supporting the attack. This flexibility is likely to give Emery more options in crafting his game plans, especially against the top teams in the league.
The Premier League presents a unique challenge for any player, but Malen seems prepared for the intensity and physicality of English football. Having previously spent time in Arsenal’s youth system, he’s familiar with the culture and expectations of the league. "It’s fast-paced, it’s physical, and it’s demanding, but that’s what makes it so special. I’ve been watching the Premier League since I was a kid, and I’ve always wanted to be part of it. Now that I’m here, I’ll give everything I have to succeed."
Aston Villa fans will be hoping that Malen’s arrival signals the start of an exciting new era for the club. With his speed, skill, and hunger to prove himself, he has the potential to become a key figure in their quest for success. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Villa Park to see how Malen adapts to life in the Premier League and whether he can fulfill the promise that has followed him throughout his career.