'Wow' - Unai Emery explains Aston Villa's summer chase for Johan Manzambi

Unai Emery has lifted the lid on Villa’s successful pursuit of Johan Manzambi after hailing the midfielder’s rapid improvement.

Manzambi joined in a £51million summer move from Freiburg after Villa swooped to snatch him from the clutches of Newcastle, who they visit in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

Emery reckons the 21-year-old Switzerland international, who has scored twice in his first three starts since recovering from a knee injury, has the potential to be a big player for years to come.

And he explained how Villa were first alerted to his talent prior to facing Freiburg in last year’s Europa League final.

While Newcastle at one stage appeared favourites for his signature, Emery says Villa were always in the race before pouncing when it became clear Morgan Rogers would be leaving.

“We tried to compete to sign him and we got him, which is fantastic,” he said. “We are watching now how important a player he will be for us, in the present and the future.”

Emery continued: “He started playing only one year ago more or less and was progressing more and more and better and better. He did one year, wow, so quick how he improved.

“We watched him ahead of the final and then when he was in the World Cup as well he was the same, showing his progress strongly.

“This is the reason a lot of teams were interested in him. We were always there at the beginning, when he was starting to improve.”

While Emery believes Manzambi still has plenty of room to grow, most notably in his defensive game, he has been encouraged by the speed at which he has taken instructions on board.

Villa see him as a direct replacement for Rogers, who joined Chelsea for £117m.

“We want to achieve with him something like the last years gave us with Morgan,” said Emery. “He’s one player who is, more or less, similar, but with his own characteristics as a player.

“I am happy: he's mature – Morgan was mature as well – he likes football, he's responsible, he's a good professional during the process here, working, and in his life.

“It's a very good example of the mentality we need, individually as well.”