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Aston Villa are doing so well in Europe this season because of the winning philosophy and team maturity that they’ve laced through the squad.

That’s according to Rafa Benitez, via Gazzetta dello Sport, who, like the rest of us, has been left very impressed by Aston Villa’s performance in the Champions League this season.

Unai Emery’s side continued their fine start to the season this week with a 2-0 win over Bologna. That took them to nine points in the Champions League this season after wins over Young Boys and Bayern Munich.

They sit top of the new Champions League table, level with Liverpool but enjoying a better goal difference after keeping clean sheets in all three games to date.

It’s a continuation of the fine work Emery has been doing at Villa Park, with Aston Villa currently sitting fourth in the Premier League and four points from first as well.

There’s no denying Aston Villa are a serious competitor, particularly in Europe, with Emery’s knowledge and experience in Europe helping to guide them masterfully.

Benitez is very impressed and has highlighted the key reasons why they’re proving to be so successful.

“Those who more than any other have been able to build a balance, attack and yet cover themselves with intelligence, with speed,” he said.

“A winning philosophy, a team maturity that is striking. They are not at full points by chance, they both (Villa and Liverpool) deserved it against Bologna and in Leipzig, they did not overdo it, but they imposed their bursting personality.”