17-Year-Old Madjo Scores on Villa Debut After Registration Battle

Seventeen-year-old striker Brian Madjo has finally made his much-anticipated debut for Aston Villa, marking the occasion with a goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup. His arrival at the club was delayed by an eight-month registration battle, stemming from his £10 million transfer from Metz.

Villa fought to register Madjo, arguing an exemption based on his birth in London, despite his international representation for Luxembourg. He has since also represented England at the Under-17 level, scoring on his debut against Venezuela. His potential inclusion in future England squads, particularly as a successor to Harry Kane, is already being discussed.

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He played because he was showing us his capacity to work and be demanding. It is not just about scoring goals, it's about defending and how he has the commitment and discipline tactically. He was doing that.

Madjo's goal in the Super Cup canceled out an early strike from PSG's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Although Aston Villa ultimately lost the match 2-1 after Désiré Doué scored the winner for PSG, Madjo's performance was a bright spot. He had earlier missed a close-range header but remained a persistent threat throughout the first half.

Manager Unai Emery lauded Madjo's performance, emphasizing his capacity to work, tactical discipline, and commitment. "It is not just about scoring goals, it's about defending and how he has the commitment and discipline tactically," Emery stated. The emergence of Madjo provides Villa with a new attacking option as they prepare for the Premier League season.

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You've got a young player coming, especially on a stage like this one, against PSG, getting in those scoring positions and not allowing that disappointment to stay with you. He was brave enough to get back into that scoring position and if he keeps missing it's not frightening him. He's happy to have that pressure on his shoulders.