Emery says Juan Mata recommended Victor Lindelof before Villa free transfer

According to Goal, Unai Emery said Aston Villa signed Victor Lindelof on a free transfer after a glowing recommendation from his former Manchester United team-mate Juan Mata.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Emery described calling Mata — whom he also coached in Spain — to discuss Lindelof's character and commitment. Emery quoted Mata as saying Lindelof was "a fantastic guy, an intelligent guy," and added: "Everything he told me, now we are watching it. Fantastic guy, very professional, respectful. He was being passion and adapting to play in the right side, and when we needed him because we had those two injuries to Tyrone Mings and Pau [Torres], he played in the level we expected. And of course, I am so happy how he's helping us and I told him, 'you set the level here, now you can't get under this level'."

Lindelof left Manchester United after an eight-year spell last summer and has become a key figure for Villa, starting each of their last five league games alongside Ezri Konsa. Villa have won 12 of their last 13 Premier League matches and sit within six points of leaders Arsenal, level on 42 points with Manchester City.

Key Topics

Sports, Victor Lindelof, Juan Mata, Unai Emery, Aston Villa, Manchester United