Ross Barkley makes instant impact on return to Aston Villa in dominant pre-season display against Walsall
Ross Barkley needed just 21 minutes on his return to Aston Villa to show fans what he will bring to Unai Emery’s side in the upcoming season.
The 30-year-old was involved in the Villans’ opening two goals in the 3-0 pre-season win away at Walsall.
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Barkley is back in Villa colours after completing his summer moveCredit: GettyFormer Everton midfielder completed a reported ÂŁ5million move to Villa Park at the beginning of the month following a year at Luton Town.
Barkley previous played for Villa on loan from Chelsea in 2021, making 24 appearances, but is now back on a permanent basis.
Emery’s men have a busy summer ahead as they prepare for the new season with friendlies across Europe and the United States.
They first faced local opposition Walsall on Wednesday night, with Barkley being named in their XI for the first-half.
READ MORE ON ASTON VILLAWith 21 minutes played, his quickly-taken free-kick caught the entire Walsall backline off guard, which allowed Morgan Rogers to run into the box and slot into the bottom left corner at the Bescot Stadium.
Barkley proved crucial yet again in the 36th minute when Walsall failed to clear his corner, leading to Rogers poking home his second.
Emery opted to bring him off at the break, although will surely be pleased to see the 30-year-old make a positive impact.
New signings Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea featured during the second-half as Villa eased to victory, with Louie Barry firing in their third of the night.
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Barkley and Rogers combined on two occasions in their victoryCredit: Getty
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It spells a positive start to pre-season for VillaCredit: GettyQuick thinking to open the scoring. ⚡
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 17, 2024
The result has seen Villa make an encouraging start to their pre-season schedule ahead of what promises to be a busy 2024/25 campaign.
Villa will be playing Champions League football in the new season and upcoming friendlies will give them a test of such opposition.
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After facing Spartak Trnava and Columbus Crew this month, they will play RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund in August.
These matches will come either side of fixtures against Club America and Athletic Bilbao before domestic football gets underway.
Villa open their Premier League campaign with an away trip to West Ham on August 17 as they eye even more success under Emery.
