Ian Maatsen labelled Aston Villa head coach as "brilliant" as he prepares for the club's maiden appearance in this season's Champions League.
Maatsen completed his £37.5million switch from Chelsea while on international duty with the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
The 22-year-old, who did not feature for Ronald Koeman's side in Germany, signed a six-year deal at Villa Park following an impressive loan spell with Borussia Dortmund last season.
Maatsen made 16 Bundesliga appearances, scoring two goals and helping Die Schwarzgelben reach the Champions League final, playing the full duration of their 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid at Wembley.
Emery led Villa to a fourth place finish in the Premier League, and has become well known for his success on the European stage during his time in Spain.
The Spaniard has won the Europa League on four different ocassions, while also guiding Villa to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League last term.
"Last season they did very well and the coach obviously is a brilliant coach with a lot of experience in Europe," Maatsen told Aston Villa's official club website.
"They are playing Champions League football this season so it is exciting. "He is a manager who loves to play football and win trophies.
"That was the challenge for me to come here and show the people that I am capable of doing these things at the highest level."
Maatsen made his Champions League debut in Dortmund's last 16 fixture against PSV Eindhoven, going on to make seven appearances in the competition.
And while many predict Emery's side to follow Newcastle after trying to juggle league and European commitments, the defender insisted that he is confident that Villa can become regulars in Europe's elite club competition.
"It's good because obviously we are here now to earn a spot in the Champions League every year - it's such a great competition."
Maatsen is one of seven new arrivals at Villa Park, with Emery taking his spending this transfer window to £140million after the arrival of Amadou Onana from Everton was confirmed on Monday.
Villa begin the 2024-25 season away to West Ham on August 17, a side they have failed to beat away from home in the league since a 2-1 victory at Upton Park back in April 2011.
Onana ready to take Aston Villa to the top following Everton switch
Amadou Onana is aiming to take Aston Villa to the top following the completion of his transfer from Everton on Monday.
Onana, who became Unai Emery's eighth signing this transfer window, signed a five-year contract in a deal worth £50million.
The 22-year-old will serve as a replacement for the departing Douglas Luiz, who completed a £42.35million switch to Juventus last month.
Onana featured in all four of Belgium's Euro 2024 fixtures in Germany, and made 72 appearances for Everton during his two-year stint at Goodison Park.
Villa are competing in the Champions League for the first time this season following their fourth place finish in the Premier League.
And Onana is keen to build on the foundations laid by Emery at Villa Park as he looks to bring success back to the West Midlands.
"To take what I can and help bring this football club to the top," Onana told Aston Villa's official website on his ambitions upon his arrival at the club.
"I think they had a tremendous season last year, and we have to surf on that vibe and try to compete for the top."
The Belgian international was linked with a before his switch to Villa, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all interested in his services.
However, Onana was able to list several positives of choosing to play his football under Emery, someone he described as "one of the best in the business".
"It was a bit of everything. It is a healthy atmosphere here for me to grow as a player, but also as a man," Onana told Aston Villa's official website.
"You guys played some very attractive football last season, loads of goals, and we will be playing in the Champions League next season.
"Those are some of the things that are very exciting with a manager who is, for me, one of the best in the business and I think he can take my game to the next level."
Onana has previously featured in the Champions League, making eight appearances during his time with Lille.
Having helped Everton avoid relegation from the Premier League over the past two years, Onana is looking forward to playing among Europe's elite once again.
"I think Champions League nights are different from any other night," Onana said. "It is a special feeling walking out to that Champions League song."
Wray & Nephew launches new-look JPL jerseys at Rum Fest
As Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum enters into the second year of its partnership with the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), it launched new-look jerseys at the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival.
The patrons of the festival, held at the Catherine’s Hall Sports Complex on July 18, 2023, experienced a fashion show showcasing six of the 14 team’s jerseys.
The fashion show unveiled the new kits for JPL 2024 season winner Cavalier FC, and the runner-up Mount Pleasant Football Academy. Also highlighted were the jerseys for Harbour View FC, Portmore United FC and Arnett Gardens FC and Montego Bay United FC (MBUFC).
On hand to see the show were executives of MBUFC, who lead the only top-tier professional football club from Jamaica’s western region, including Coach Rodolfo Zapata, General Manager Sumil Reid and Director Anthony Cameron.
“These jerseys are another manifestation of the Wray Rum partnership with the JPL, said Kerry-Ann Bryan, brand manager of Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum. “Our patrons at the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival were the first to see and appreciate this next layer of support.
“Wray & Nephew has been a storied sponsor of football in Jamaica. We offer over $300 million in support across the Jamaica Football Federation national men’s and women’s programmes as well as to the JPL and Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA),” Bryan explained after the jerseys were revealed.
The kits were produced in partnership with Admiral and brandish bold colours, unique patterns, and details that represent each club, its surrounding community and showcases each Football Club’s history. The 14 JPL teams will utilise the home and away vibrant kit designs for 2024/25 season.
Having launched the kits, Rum Fest eventgoers had the opportunity to get first dibs on their jersey pick from the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum football-themed festival booth.
The JPL and Admiral collection can also be purchased online via the Admiral website, or at the Locker Room Sports location in Kingston.
Messi ruled out of MLS All-Star game with ankle injury
Lionel Messi will miss the annual MLS All-Star game in Columbus on Wednesday due to his ongoing ankle injury, MLS has confirmed.
The Argentina captain sustained the injury during his nation's Copa America final victory over Colombia on July 14.
Messi subsequently left the pitch in tears, and watched from the dugout as substitute Lautaro Martinez struck an extra-time winner in Miami.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was expected to be part of the annual clash between an MLS XI and Liga MX XI.
However, he was listed as unavailable on the MLS website along with fellow Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez, though their team-mates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are both included.
The likes of Hugo Lloris, Christian Benteke and Federico Bernadeschi also feature in the MLS roster, while Andre-Pierre Gignac and Salomon Rondon will feature for the Liga MX All-Stars.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
