Going forward this season, Unai Emery faces a decisive tactical choice on the right flank — and all signs point toward Donyell Malen being the superior option ahead of Evann Guessand. While both players bring energy, pace und attacking ambition, the difference in their impact, physicality and consistency is becoming increasingly visible. If Aston Villa wants to sharpen its offensive edge and maintain momentum in crucial fixtures, Emery must build that right-side threat around Malen.
To begin with, Malen is simply the more complete attacker. His blend of explosive acceleration, tight ball control and direct running makes him a constant danger in one-on-one situations. Unlike Guessand, who often struggles under pressure, Malen thrives when the game becomes physical or chaotic. He shields the ball with confidence, resists shoulder-to-shoulder challenges and drives forward with purpose. His low centre of gravity and strength allow him to maintain possession even in crowded spaces — a quality Villa desperately needs when breaking down compact defensive blocks.
Guessand, on the other hand, has shown undeniable potential, but his weakness is equally clear: he’s lightweight in duels. A slight bump, a body check, or a firm challenge is often enough to dispossess him. In high-intensity Premier League matches where defenders are quick, powerful and aggressive, this flaw becomes painfully obvious. Villa lose momentum when he gets knocked off the ball too easily, and promising attacks break down before they fully develop.
Where Guessand is reactive, Malen is decisive.
But the biggest separator is found in the numbers: goal threat. Malen has a proven track record of scoring — whether it’s from cutting inside, arriving at the back post or finishing with precision in tight angles. He carries a natural striker’s instinct, a sixth sense for where the ball will fall. His goal-poaching ability is far superior to Guessand’s, who is still learning the timing, movement and ruthlessness required at elite level. Malen not only creates chances for himself but also stretches backlines, forcing defenders to make mistakes or leave gaps for teammates.
Moreover, his experience in big-match environments plays a crucial role. Malen has already proven himself against world-class opposition in top competitions. He understands how to adapt his game mid-match, how to press intelligently and how to exploit defensive weaknesses. Emery values reliability, and Malen gives him exactly that: a player who can deliver under pressure, not just show flashes of potential.
Guessand’s development shouldn’t be ignored — he’s talented and will grow — but right now, Villa needs end product. Needs confidence. Needs efficiency. Needs goals.
And Malen provides all of that.
If Emery truly wants to elevate the team’s attacking rhythm, the choice is straightforward: make Malen the first-choice weapon on the right flank, allow him to form dangerous combinations with the striker and midfield, and use Guessand as a rotational option or impact substitute.
The season’s toughest battles lie ahead — and in those moments, quality defines victory.
Malen has that quality.
Now Emery must unleash it.
