Doniel Maren scored twice as he defeated Burnley 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday.
Unai Emery was thrilled to see Doniel Maren thrive in his new role as the Dutch scored both goals in Aston Villa’s 2-1 victory over Burnley. Maren broke the deadlock in 25 minutes, struck Bouba Kamara’s perfectly suited pass, shrugged Maxim Estev and passed Martin de Blavka.
The forward doubled the advantages of the villa after the interval and burned precise effort beyond the former Newcastle United Stopper, following an assist from Morgan Rogers in the penalty area.
The double has represented Maren’s first brace at any competition since February 2024.
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To Clarett, Mullen was given a license to roam around the centre behind Ollie Watkins, who had limited tracking back duties, Matty Cash was stationed on the side, and John McGinn provided extra protection.
The tactical switch proved to be happy to be inspired by Emery to witness his plans come to fruition.
“We’re doing that with speculation, but the speculation is more on the right,” Emery explained when asked about Mullen’s position as the second striker. “We want them to attack the target. With Mullen, he played more centrally and didn’t defend the right.
“We wanted to get the structure, so John McGinn helped out with lower plays. Really, Mullen was great and he felt comfortable.
“We’ve come up with our structures and then we’ve adapted them. We’ve been actively trying to attack one player behind us. If we can get Maren closer to the box, he has the qualities, is a fast player to film, and is clinical. Today he showed that.
“He hadn’t gotten some physical matches before. He had the action he has today against Sunderland and Fayenod. He gained confidence and tried to give them a position on a field where they really feel better when they misuse their qualities.
“Our demands are high,” Emery continued. “He’s always working well and has a commitment to doing his best, and sometimes he performs for better or worse.
“Yesterday I told him about the position I wanted him to be today. He’s another player to help Watkins reach his opponent’s box. He’s done great things.
Emery welcomed Lamale Bogarde’s progress at the Villa after the youngster starred in a victory over Burnley.
The 21-year-old is impressed with multiple roles and is on par with Bouba Carcamara in the midfield as part of the back three.
Bogarde completed 56 of 58 passes, creating a powerful all-around display in 89 minutes on the pitch, disbanding plays, and handing out ownership in calm.
Asked about the development of the Dutch over the past few weeks, Emery praised his mentality and growth.
“Because he’s mature as a person,” Emery said. “He was here when I arrived three years ago. Since then, to this day, his development is clear.
“He was lending and then he wasn’t playing. Sometimes we asked for him and sometimes we punished him for pushing him.
“He responds fantastically and plays with confidence, and he adds us one player as a midfielder and centre back.
“I think his best position is midfielder, and he’s also adding other players from injuries like Berkley and Onana.”
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