The belief of Villa’s players and supporters is backed up by compelling evidence that this is the arena where Emery operates best, having guided Sevilla to three successive Europa League triumphs in 2014, 2015 and 2016 – the latter against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool – before repeating the feat with Villarreal against Manchester United in 2021....
With Aoibheann Reilly, 24, linking well with the 21-year-old pair of O’Brien and Dalton, Ireland have a youthful nine-10-12 axis. “They’re inexperienced but there’s skill and talent,” added Downey. “They’re malleable and they can be coached. “There’s leadership and there’s great depth from those young players.” Ireland are next in action against England in Cork...
