Aston Villa forward Donyell Malen’s attitude towards himself is “painful to watch” and perhaps needs to change.
That’s according to analyst Hans Kraay Junior, via PSV Inside, who wants to see the Aston Villa man change his public outlook.
Malen has had a good international break so far, breaking a three-game duck for his country with a goal in the 4-0 win over Finland.
It continued a run of good form for the Aston Villa man. He headed into the international break on the back of a double in the 2-1 win over Burnley.
It’s perhaps been a turning point for the Dutchman, who has struggled for club and country for some time. That’s particularly been the case on the international stage.
He’s never truly forced his way into Ronald Koeman’s plans, often being used as a substitute under him rather than a starter. It’s something the Aston Villa man has even been questioned on. He’s insisted, several times, that he’s not bothered by having such a role on the international stage.
Kraay Junior wants him to stop doing, that, though, despite accepting that the Aston Villa man is clearly just “modest”.
“This was a beautiful goal. It’s play and move, play and move. Even in tight spaces, that’s almost impossible to defend. Malen controlled the ball very deliberately,” he said.
“He’s never that enthusiastic about himself, and I sometimes find that a bit painful to watch. He’s always very critical of himself, but he can be proud tonight.”
