Give him his flowers Liverpool manager Arne Slot praises underrated Aston Villa star who was outstanding against Liverpool
*“Give him his flowers” – Arne Slot praises underrated Aston Villa star after outstanding display against Liverpool*
Liverpool manager Arne Slot had plenty to say after his side’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa at Anfield, but it wasn’t about Mohamed Salah or Virgil van Dijk. Slot used his post-match press conference to give credit where he felt it was due: to Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans.
“Give him his flowers,” Slot said. “He was outstanding tonight. Underrated, but every coach knows how good he is.”
*The performance that caught Slot’s eye*
Tielemans ran the game in spells for Villa, completing 92% of his passes, winning 7 duels, and making 4 key passes in a midfield battle against Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.
When Villa equalized through Ollie Watkins in the 34th minute, it was Tielemans who picked the pass that split Liverpool’s line. In the second half, he dropped deep to break Liverpool’s press, calmly turning out of trouble on multiple occasions while Villa tried to find a winner.
Slot admitted it was one of those displays that doesn’t always make the highlights but makes a manager’s life difficult.
“People talk about Watkins, about Rogers, about McGinn. But Tielemans is the one who makes them play,” Slot said. “His positioning, his first touch, his decision-making… it’s top level. Against a team like us, that’s not easy.”
*Why Tielemans is “underrated”*
Since joining Villa from Leicester in 2023, Tielemans has quietly become one of the most consistent midfielders in the Premier League. He doesn’t have the goal tally of Bruno Fernandes or the flair of James Maddison, but coaches value him for control and intelligence.
Villa fans have long argued he’s the team’s metronome. This season he’s started 32 of 34 league games, with 3 goals and 7 assists. In the 2-1 win over Forest earlier this month, his pressing forced the mistake that led to Watkins’ winner. Against Liverpool, he showed the same composure under pressure.
Slot’s praise isn’t new. Several managers have called Tielemans “the kind of player you want in your team” because he makes everyone around him better. But in a league obsessed with highlight reels, that work often goes unnoticed.
*Slot’s respect for Villa’s midfield*
Liverpool have struggled at times against Villa’s midfield trio of Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn. Slot said the balance Unai Emery has created is why Villa are still in the hunt for Champions League football.
“They have legs, they have intelligence, they have experience,” he said. “Kamara gives them balance, McGinn gives them aggression, and Tielemans gives them control. If you give him time on the ball, he will punish you.”
It’s high praise from a manager whose Liverpool side have won the Premier League with a game to spare. Slot even referenced Tielemans when discussing how Liverpool need to improve in possession next season.
*Villa fans react*
The quote went viral on Villa social media within minutes. “Finally someone says it,” one fan posted. “Tielemans has been our best player all season.”
Tielemans himself was modest after the game. “We wanted more than a point, but we played well. Liverpool are champions for a reason. Now we focus on the last two games.”
Villa sit 5th and need 4 points from their final two games to guarantee Champions League qualification. If they get there, Tielemans’ role will be a big reason why.
*The bigger picture for Liverpool*
Slot’s comments also hint at Liverpool’s summer plans. With Thiago gone and Wataru Endo turning 33, Liverpool need midfield control. Tielemans isn’t leaving Villa, but the fact Slot publicly highlighted him shows the kind of profile Liverpool admire.
For now, though, it was just about giving credit.
“Football is about moments,” Slot said. “But it’s also about the 90 minutes where one player keeps everything together. Tonight, that was him. So give him his flowers.”
