Ross Barkley believes Aston Villa can challenge much higher in the Premier League as Unai Emery’s revamped squad begins to find its rhythm. The midfielder has backed the club’s summer recruits to make a major impact, insisting that the early difficulties of integrating so many new players could prove worthwhile as the season progresses.
Villa’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Fenerbahçe in the Champions League offered an encouraging sign of what the team can produce. The result was the club’s biggest-ever win in a major European competition, with Barkley scoring twice after being selected alongside Boubacar Kamara in midfield.
The performance also came during a period of transition at Villa Park, following the departure of several members of the team that faced SC Freiburg in the Europa League final in May.
Barkley explains why Aston Villa needed time to adapt
Villa endured a difficult start to the campaign, losing three of their first four Premier League matches. However, a run of improved performances across competitions has given Emery’s side renewed momentum.
Barkley acknowledged that changes to the squad inevitably require time, but believes regular training and a clear tactical approach can help the new arrivals settle.
“I’ve been used to it. I’ve played for a long time, so I’m used to changes,” Barkley explained.
The midfielder stressed that building connections between players is essential, particularly when younger recruits are learning the manager’s methods.
He believes the recent performance demonstrated the benefits of that process, with both emerging talents and more experienced players contributing to Villa’s attacking display.
Ross Barkley praises Villa’s exciting young signings
Among the players to catch Barkley’s attention were Ibrahim Mbaye, Johan Manzambi and Nicolas Jackson, who all featured prominently against Fenerbahçe.
Barkley highlighted Mbaye’s versatility and technical quality, praising the teenager’s ability to operate on either flank, shoot accurately and create opportunities for his teammates.
The midfielder also expressed strong confidence in Manzambi’s potential, pointing to his positioning, finishing and personality as qualities that could make him an important addition to the squad.
Jackson, meanwhile, earned praise for his confidence and character, with Barkley noting the forward’s contribution to the team and his progress since arriving.
The comments reflect Barkley’s belief that Villa’s recruitment has provided Emery with exciting options, even if the squad needs time to develop a consistent understanding on the pitch.
Barkley backs Emery to deliver more success
Barkley was equally enthusiastic when discussing Emery’s influence. The midfielder described the Spaniard as one of the best managers in the world and believes Villa can continue achieving important things under his leadership.
The club lost several experienced figures during the summer, placing greater importance on the remaining senior players as the new arrivals adapt.
Villa also brought in 10 new signings, according to Barkley, including a new goalkeeper who is still learning the team’s system. That level of change, he suggested, helps explain why the side took time to find its best form.
The midfielder nevertheless expects the investment in young talent to pay off.
He also pointed to Villa’s strong run during the second half of the previous season as an example of how the team can build momentum once the pieces begin to fit together.
Aston Villa target a stronger finish to the season
Despite losing only once in their previous seven matches across all competitions, Villa still have work to do in the Premier League. Their early league form has been less convincing than their European performances, and they remain without a home league victory after failing to protect their advantage against Brentford.
Barkley believes the solution lies in improving the team’s control of matches. He explained that midfielders such as Kamara, João Gomes, himself and Leon Goretzka can help Villa establish composure through their passing before accelerating into attacking situations.
That balance could prove important as Emery looks to turn encouraging performances into more consistent league results.
Barkley’s ambition is clear: he wants Villa to continue improving and reach the final third of the season in a position to challenge near the top of the table.
The Fenerbahçe result has given the squad a significant confidence boost. The next challenge is to reproduce that quality in domestic competition and demonstrate that the recent progress can be sustained.
Aston Villa News BR will continue to follow Unai Emery’s side as the club looks to build on its European success and climb the Premier League standings.