‘Football genius’ – Aston Villa man absolutely loves Unai Emery, helped him achieve ‘childhood dream’

Aston Villa youngster Lamare Bogarde has heaped praise on manager Unai Emery, labelling him a football genius.

Voetbal Primeur have an interview with the 20-year-old today in which he talks about Emery and the big season he is currently having with Aston Villa.

He has been a regular in the Aston Villa squad so far this season after seemingly impressing Emery in pre-season training.

Like many youngsters the plan had been for him to head out on loan to gain experience, but Emery instead elected to keep him as part of his group for this campaign.

That’s proven to be a smart decision as Bogarde has featured in the Premier League, Champions League and EFL Cup already.

He’s certainly happy to be playing under Emery, who he believes deserves praise for being a man of his word.

“I had already spoken to clubs, but when we presented it to Villa, Emery said: he is with us now, I want to see him work,” he said.

“Emery is a man of his word, because he really gave his chance. If I had to describe him in one word, I think it would be ‘football genius’. He really loves the game.

“He analyses every match down to the second and is really obsessed with football. He knows what he is doing, and you can really see that. He makes everyone feel good. It doesn’t matter whether you come from youth or are bought. He wants everyone to play his way, and that is why we are all so close to each other.”

While the Premier League may be the big dream for most, it’s no unfair to suggest that playing in the Champions League is certainly up there for a lot of players too.

That was certainly the case for Bogarde, who made his debut in the competition earlier this year in Aston Villa’s 3-0 win over BSC Young Boys.

He’s sat on the bench for the games against Bayer Munich, Bologna and Club Brugge since but that’s not a problem, as that initial debut ticked off another childhood dream.

“That is the most beautiful moment so far,” he added.

“That really is a childhood dream. Especially if you are actually on the field at that moment. And before you start, that Champions League music plays. That is not normal. Goosebumps.

“Then suddenly you are on the highest stage. It will be for will always be a moment that will stay with me.”