‘We need to have a plan for them’ - Emery looking to integrate Nigerian-descent to the team after scoring winning goal

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has lauded 19-year-old Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba after the teenager scored a late winner against RB Salzburg.

Villa sealed a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against RB Salzburg in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.

The academy graduate, who has Nigerian heritage, came off the bench to score the decisive goal on his European debut. 

The strike secured second place for Villa in the group stage, ensuring a more favourable path in the knockout rounds.

Emery sets plan for Jimoh-Aloba

Following the victory, Emery spoke to VillaTV about the club's strategy for developing its emerging players, including Jimoh-Aloba and other youngsters who featured in the game.

"George [Get-Asante] played 45 minutes, and Jamal and Kadan [Young] also got 20 or 30 minutes," Emery stated. "We need to have a plan for them. Their development sometimes requires giving them chances to play, like today."

The manager highlighted the impact of the young substitutes, who were introduced while Villa was still searching for a winner. 

"It was a very good day to do it. Even when we were chasing the game, we gave them a chance, and they delivered with an assist and a goal from Kadan and Jamal."

Emery emphasized that the moment was significant not just for the players but for the entire club's identity.

"This is fantastic for the club and for the young players, showing them the path to the first team," he added. "Today, we shared with our supporters how important the academy and our young players are to us."

Jimoh-Aloba's goal was the finishing touch on an incredible turnaround for Villa, who had been trailing 2-0 earlier in the match.