Mikel Arteta is hoping Ezri Konsa’s return to Aston Villa will be marked by appreciation rather than hostility when the England defender prepares to make his Arsenal debut against his former club.
Konsa is in line for his first appearance in Arsenal colours after completing a £55million move, with the Gunners heading to Villa Park on Monday night for what promises to be an emotional occasion for the 28-year-old.
This will not be just another Premier League fixture. For seven years, Konsa was a key figure in Aston Villa’s journey.
He established himself as one of the club’s most reliable defenders and played an important role as Villa climbed into the Premier League’s leading positions, secured European football and finished in the top four.
Now, he returns wearing different colours. That change of shirt could make him a target for some supporters, particularly after a summer that has seen several players depart Villa.
But Arteta believes Konsa’s contribution to the club should not be forgotten and hopes the defender receives the recognition his time at Villa deserves.
“I hope so,” said Arteta.
“I’m sure that Ezri will think the same way for what he’s done for the club. But, obviously, this is not down to us.
“And the way I’ve seen Ezri since day one, knowing his personality really well, and through people that have worked with him, I have no concern about him playing there. He has trained really well, and he will be available for selection.”
Arteta’s comments underline the confidence he has in Konsa’s mentality ahead of what could be a difficult emotional test.
Returning to a former club can be uncomfortable. The atmosphere can be intense, the emotions can be mixed and every touch of the ball can bring a reaction from the stands.
But Arteta has made it clear that he has no concerns about Konsa allowing the occasion to affect his performance.
Instead, the Arsenal boss sees a player who has settled quickly, trained strongly and is ready to compete.
For Konsa, the trip to Villa Park could provide the perfect introduction to life as an Arsenal player. There will be no easy start and no quiet entrance.
If selected, he will immediately be thrown into a major Premier League occasion against a club where he spent the most significant period of his career.
That is exactly the kind of challenge that can reveal a player’s character.
Arsenal have invested heavily in Konsa because of his Premier League experience, defensive quality and ability to perform under pressure.
Monday night could now offer the England international an immediate opportunity to show why Arteta wanted him.
Villa Park may once have felt like home. On Monday, however, Konsa could walk out as an Arsenal player for the first time — hoping for respect from the fans he once represented, but fully prepared for whatever reception awaits him.
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