Forget Manzambi, 'Strong' Suzuki Might be Aston Villa's Best Summer Signing

· GiveMeSport

Aston Villa did some fine business in the summer, but goalkeeper Zion Suzuki might be going under the radar.

Aston Villa had a number of standout performers in their superb Champions League win over Fenerbahce on Wednesday night , but new signing Zion Suzuki is going under the radar. Unai Emery 's men won 6-0 against Fenerbahce, setting a new club-record for the biggest scoreline in the Champions League.

Johan Manzambi opened the scoring thanks to a big deflection, and Nicolas Jackson made it two and three before half-time with a superb first-half brace. In the second half, Ross Barkley scored from the spot after Manzambi pulled off a clever dummy and was brought down, and then Barkley made it five with an excellent first-time finish. There was even time for substitutes Alysson and Tammy Abraham to combine to make it 6-0, with the latter tapping home a cross from close range.

It couldn't have been much better from Villa, with almost every player pulling their weight on a memorable evening, and even goalkeeper Suzuki did his part. Suzuki made two excellent first-half saves in quick succession, first denying a far-post header at his near post, and he then rushed out to deny reliable finisher Vedat Muriqi in a 1v1 opportunity.

The game could have gone very differently had either one, or both, of those opportunities been scored. Suzuki was excellent again, and his confidence is impossible to ignore. Suzuki takes command at all times, and he is a confident communicator with his back-line, even when something doesn't go as hoped.

Stiliyan Petrov said on TNT Sport's coverage:

> "He is, so far (standing out). All the Villa fans are really excited. To take over (Emi) Martinez is a big task. > > "But he has stood up, looks comfortable, looks strong with his feet and his hands. Having that kind of goalkeeper behind you is a big confidence boost, and he has shown how good he is."

Manzambi and Jackson are obvious choices for the signings of the summer, while Ibrahim Mbaye is also looking dangerous, but Suzuki can't be ruled out as Villa's signing of the summer in terms of impact.

Emi Martinez has played an important role in Villa's success over recent years, and replacing him was a job Villa had to get right this summer. Suzuki may well be the right choice, currently clocking a Premier League save percentage of 72%, compared to Martinez's 65.6% at Chelsea.

Confidence is everything for goalkeepers, and Suzuki is full of it. More importantly, it looks as though Villa's back line feel as though they can trust the man behind him, and that's half the battle.

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