Ezri Konsa don start im World Cup campaign with proper live test, as England and Croatia reach half-time level at 2-2 for Dallas. The Aston Villa defender begin alongside John Stones for Thomas Tuchel back four, while Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins dey among substitutes.
That alone move night beyond selection debate, but first half quickly become something sharper for Villa supporters wey dey watch one of their own for tournament stage. Harry Kane put England ahead from retaken penalty, Martin Baturina level for Croatia, Kane head England back in front and Petar Musa make am 2-2 for stoppage time.
Konsa no just be part of ceremonial team-sheet moment. Dem drop am into game with real defensive strain, including Croatia late first-half equaliser and movement wey go give England plenty to solve after break. Former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith don throw im support behind Konsa ahead of England World Cup campaign, describing defender as “Rolls-Royce” and backing am to make major impact for international stage.
Smith talk for BBC 5 Live say: “He’s like a Rolls-Royce. I love the way he plays. He has come on leaps and bounds. People started likening him to Paul McGrath at Villa and Paul McGrath is known as God.” Smith also highlight Konsa defensive strengths, especially im ability for one-against-one situations. “He is athletic, good in the air and a very good defender. One-v-one, he is outstanding. He’s very calm on the ball as well.”
Konsa now dey compete with John Stones and Marc Guehi for starting berth, but im performance levels over last few seasons mean im get every right to believe say im belong for that conversation. What make Konsa so valuable be say im no get real weakness as defender. Modern international football often decide by moments. Defenders fit get isolated. Full-backs get caught high. Teams transition quick. When that happen, you need defenders wey fit own one-v-one situations. That na exactly wetin Konsa excel at.
There no be many defenders for world football wey look as comfortable defending large spaces. We don see am countless times for Aston Villa under Unai Emery. Villa aggressive defensive structure regularly leave defenders exposed, yet Konsa repeatedly come out on top. Na why opposition forwards rarely enjoy playing against am. Na why, whenever Villa dey miss am, dem instantly look less secure, no be say im miss many.
For all focus on England attacking talent, there be strong argument say Konsa be one of most important defensive players available to Tuchel. Listening to Smith speak about Konsa also be reminder of how much Aston Villa owe am. Smith recruitment record during Villa return to Premier League deserve enormous credit. Konsa arrive for £12 million. Matty Cash follow and don become one of Villa most reliable performers. Ollie Watkins sign from Brentford and don develop into arguably club best striker of Premier League era. Emiliano Martinez arrive from Arsenal and go on to become greatest goalkeeper many Villa supporters don ever see. Tyrone Mings become one of leaders of dressing room and one of defining figures of club modern revival.
Five players. Well over 1,000 appearances between dem. Europa League winner medal for each. Champions League football. Now internationals. Club leaders. When people discuss Villa journey from Championship side to one wey fit compete with Europe elite, Dean Smith contribution fit sometimes dey overlook. E no suppose be so.
Konsa starting for England for World Cup go be another reminder of quality Smith help bring through doors at Villa Park. And if defender do line up against Croatia, few people go be prouder than manager wey spot im potential all those years ago.
