But against Villarreal, he showed flashes of real quality to threaten the Villarreal rearguard. He replaced Jamal Jimoh-Aloba in the 70th minute, playing off the left and tucking inside when Ian Maatsen bombed on down the flank from wing-back. But Guessand’s best moments actually came from him occupying width, which was interesting.

Aston Villa has made its first major signing of the summer by landing Ivory Coast forward Evann Guessand from French club Nice for a reported fee of at least 30 million euros.

Aston Villa have signed Evann Guessand from Nice for a fee worth €35million (£30.4m; $40.5m). They will pay a €30m up-front fee and a further €5m in add-ons. The 24-year-old has signed a long-term deal with Villa.