Midlands | Villa play out entertaining draw against Frankfurt

Aston Villa 2 - 2 Eintracht Frankfurt

Aston Villa opened their pre-season trip to the USA with a draw against Eintracht Frankfurt in Louisville.

Author | Peter Grainger 

Stadium | Lynn Family Stadium

Ollie Watkins, currently being linked with a move to Manchester United, fired Villa ahead with a well-taken goal in the 12th minute. He  converted Donyell Malen’s low cross at Lynn Family Stadium.

Elye Wahi pulled the German side level shortly afterwards, with the Frankfurt forward and Watkins both seeing opportunities to add to their tally in the first half.

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Morgan Rogers, introduced at half-time, had only been on the pitch a matter of minutes when he converted to restore Villa’s advantage from another Malen assist.

It was Eba Bekir that levelled with a 25-yard strike eight minutes from time in what was a competitive encounter against a Frankfurt side that finished third in the Bundesliga last term.

Another good workout for Emery’s side

This was a good workout for a Villa side looking to push on with another year of European football. 

They used a total of 21 players in the heat of Kentucky, with this the club’s first of three pre-season fixtures in the USA. They will continue their pre-season preparations against MLS sides St. Louis City and Nashville SC.

Who stood out for Villa?

Boubacar Kamara 

Yes, it may only be pre-season, but this was an outstanding display from Kamara. His passing range was immaculate, repeatedly finding teammates with pinpoint accuracy. He switched play effortlessly, pinging balls over the top and across the pitch with real authority. One such pass released Malen, who squared for Watkins to score. Kamara also showed tactical awareness, slotting into a back three when his side had the ball.

Donyell Malen 

Malen should have put Villa ahead shortly after setting up Watkins for the opener, but hesitated with an extra touch when Digne found him at the far post. He more than redeemed himself, however, by providing assists for both of Villa’s goals. It looks set to be a significant season for the forward.

Ollie Watkins 

Watkins opened the scoring early with a composed finish into the far corner. He later broke clear again, doing well to create the chance, but dragged his shot wide from a tight angle shortly before Villa were pegged back. His movement off the ball was a constant threat throughout. It will be interesting to see if he starts the season with Aston Villa or Manchester United.