Anwar El Ghazi scored Aston Villa’s first goal in their Championship playoff final victory over Derby County and was outstanding throughout Monday’s meeting at Wembley. The 24-year-old has been in fantastic form during the second-half of the season and was lauded by supporters on social media for playing an important role in Villa’s promotion.
First order of business: sign up El Ghazi permanently. Quite simply sublime today.#AVLDER #AVFC
— Callum Gurr (@callumgurr) May 27, 2019
I reckon El Ghazi was our best player over the three play off games.
— Daniel King (@TunnelKing) May 27, 2019
Thought El Ghazi was M.O.T.M today. Crucial goal at a crucial stage and ran at them at every chance he had. UTV
— Darren Showering (@DarrenShowering) May 27, 2019
El Ghazi was fantastic today. Top draw #avfc
— Chris Bedworth (@AVFCBedders) May 27, 2019
El ghazi had derby on toast today
— Dyllan Richardson (@DylRichardson) May 27, 2019
Well played El Ghazi!
— Sharon Powell (@SharonP65334716) May 27, 2019
El ghazi was by far the best player today.
— Clunkclick (@photogromd) May 27, 2019
Against Derby, El Ghazi played a full 90 minutes, made 46 touches, 17 passes with 88% accuracy, four dribbles, whipped in two crosses, drew three fouls, took three shots with 66% on target, made two tackles, one clearance and won one aerial duel. The Netherlands international has made 36 appearances in all competitions since joining Villa on loan from LOSC Lille, contributing 12 goals.
From 34 Championship appearances this season (excluding playoffs), El Ghazi has created 44 chances, made 40 successful dribbles (54%), averaged 22 passes-per-game with 81% accuracy, 14 clearances, won 32 aerial duels (32%), taken 65 shots with 40% accuracy, blocked 20 shots/passes/crosses and averaged a tackle (31) or interception (9) every 61 minutes.
Villa could make a move for El Ghazi after his impressive season on loan, with Dean Smith revealing in a post-match interview that the Midlands club have a buying option for the winger.
Stats from Transfermarkt.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
