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While Unai Emery’s tactical setup has been key to Aston Villa’s march to the Champions League, Monchi has also played a vital role.

The Spaniard, who is known for his recruitment success at Sevilla, particularly in his first spell, has enjoyed a success period at the Birmingham club so far.

The club is reaching new heights and has been capable of making significant signings.

One such signing has been Ian Maatsen, who played in the Champions League final last season and will play in the competition with Villa this season.

The defender is represented by Epic Sports, and Andrea Pellegatti, who is an intermediary at the agency, has spoken about Monchi being a factor in Dutchman’s decision to move to Aston Villa.

He said, as relayed by TMW: “And on Maatsen, we had already transferred him from Chelsea to Dortmund on loan, then the allure of the Premier League, of Emery, of Monchi, were decisive in ensuring that he married this project. 

“He is still playing in the Champions League despite his young age.”

Of course, having Champions League football at Villa was also a decisive reason for Maatsen’s switch.

The combination of Monchi and Emery has been key to taking the club to that pedestal, where they can attract players of Maatsen’s quality.

The 22-year-old is yet to start for the Villans in the Premier League but there are enough games to be played this season for him to make a mark later on.