Dean Smith lauded Yannick Bolasie after Aston Villa beat Middlesbrough 3-0 on Saturday evening, praising the winger’s “excellence” and “pace and quality”. Bolasie made an assist in the weekend win and impressed in his 72 minutes on the pitch. He’s been in fine form in recent weeks and is sure to retain his place against West Bromwich Albion on Friday, December 7.
Smith said to the club’s official website about Bolasie’s performance: “He’s showing us what he’s made of. He’s got a lot of pace and quality. It’s two starts on the spin now, and he’s getting back to what I remember of him before I came here. He’s showing that excellence he’s got.”
The 29-year-old has scored and created six goals in 13 Championship appearances for Villa since his summer loan move from Everton. He’s contributed four of these goals in his last four games and is finally providing his worth after a series of abject substitute outings. Capable of playing on either flank, Bolasie has pace, trickery and creativity to make chances for teammates.
Against Middlesbrough, he made five chances, whipped in six crosses and even made two interceptions. Villa aren’t short on attacking players either, with Albert Adomah, Anwar El Ghazi, and Jonathan Kodjia all fighting for a spot on the left and right flank. Bolasie’s showing against Aitor Karanka’s side should convince Smith to keep him in the starting eleven.
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Dean Smith names which Aston Villa player ‘was excellent’ against Middlesbrough
