Galatasaray’s Zaniolo joined the Midlands team on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy in a deal that may total €44 million. Since then, he has adjusted well in both domestic and European tournaments.

At the weekend, the former Roma forward made his third straight league start for Aston Villa, assisting his team in a news-making 6-1 victory over Brighton.

After the final whistle blew at Villa Park, Emery made the following statement: Zaniolo is a really easy person to talk to and to work with.

From the very beginning, his attitude toward us and level of devotion were excellent. In addition to playing well, his assimilation is going really well.

With his versatility and readiness to step into a variety of situations across the front three in the wake of knocks and injuries to players like Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey, Zaniolo has also pleased Emery tactically and positionally.

He was primarily playing on the right, but Emery said that he was now needed on the left side.

He was available and he was really, really feeling good as well playing and helping there. I am going to use him in different positions and I am really happy with him.