By Gabriel Agbonlahor

18th Oct, 2023 | 3:37pm

Aston Villa expert shares 'unbelievable' Youri Tielemans claim after exit bombshell

Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Youri Tielemans is not good enough to be part of Aston Villa’s best side and will only become a regular starter if injuries take their toll.

The former Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 26-year-old must contribute “unbelievable” performances to break into the team – but is yet to do so.

Football Insider revealed last week (11 October) that Tielemans’ long-term future at Villa Park is in big doubt after a fallout with manager Unai Emery.

It is believed he is keen to move on in January – even though he only joined Aston Villa in the summer window after leaving Leicester City on a free transfer.

Tielemans has featured in every Premier League game this season as a substitute but is yet to be named in the starting XI for a top-flight fixture.

He penned a four-year deal running until June 2027 upon his arrival at the Midlands giants.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I do like him.

“But when you’re relegated with Leicester and you don’t play well at all, you can’t expect to come into a side who finished in the top seven and demand a start.

“He’s got to be putting in unbelievable performances when he gets a chance, in the League Cup or Europa Conference League.

“He hasn’t done that.

“When everyone’s fit – he’s not in the best side. He’s not better than Douglas Luiz, McGinn – or Kamara.

“For me, unless injuries happen, he won’t get a regular start in the Premier League.”

In other news, Aston Villa in pole position to sign EFL goal machine.