Aston Villa star has been under Unai Emery’s radar even long before his emergence last season.

Aston Villa star who just arrived in Villa Park last summer, Johan Manzambi, does not take long to seal his place in the first team. He has netted three times in the last three games, including the winning goal against Newcastle last weekend. His header in the first half became the only goal of the game. 

Despite his delayed debut, the 21-year-old versatile midfielder has rapidly impressed his teammates and boss through his form and contribution. Unai Emery shares his own perspective on how his current progress does not surprise him as Villa has monitored the Swiss international for a while, as reported in Express & Stars.

“We were always there at the beginning, when he was starting to improve. 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.

How quick was Manzambi’s progress? 

Manzambi was the product of Servette academy. He joined Freiburg youth team in 2023 and managed to play 11 times, scoring one goal for the U19 team before being promoted to the reserve team. 

In the 2023/24 season, he was with the U21 team competing in the third tier. The Geneva-born midfielder featured in 10 games, scoring two. Unfortunately, his team was relegated to fourth tier in the 2024/25 season. Yet, it did not stop him from thriving. Mainly being deployed as the defensive midfielder, he was able to register one goal and four assists in 10 games. 

Such form impressed the first team to promote him in the same season. Manzambi played 11 games in the 2024/25 season. Initially, he did not make much impact yet. He began to contribute heavily on matchday 29 in Bundesliga, or his sixth appearance with the first team in the league. The Swiss midfielder came off the bench and scored the winning goal against Gladbach on the road in the last minute, taking advantage of Ritsu Doan’s cross. 

He then played more regularly afterwards and scored another goal plus provided two assists. One of which even helped his team hold the reigning champions, Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen in a 2-2 draw. 

In the 2025/26, Manzambi was already a regular starter. He made 47 appearances, bagging seven goals and nine assists, which helped Freiburg reach their first ever continental final in Europa League.

Emery on his mentality 

Apart from his rapid progress, Emery also praises Manzambi’s mentality. He aims to mould him to become Villa’s new star, replacing Morgan Rogers. 

“We want to achieve with him something like the last years gave us with Morgan. 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.”

Let’s hope Manzambi stays long and not move to the elite sides in the Premier League or abroad too soon. The versatile midfielder with 20 international caps has gained interest from Liverpool who aims to sign him next summer at least. So, only time will tell if he quickly snubs to stay and develop with Villa for the top challenge at The Reds or not next year. Fingers crossed.