Why Unai Emery is urging patience with Aston Villa’s £10m winger

Unai Emery has urged patience with Alysson after comparing the £10 million signing to Leon Bailey ahead of Aston Villa’s FA Cup clash with Newcastle.

The 19-year-old winger made his Aston Villa debut on Wednesday night, coming off the bench in the 74th minute during the win over Brighton. Villa secured the result through a Jack Hinshelwood own goal after Tyrone Mings’ header from a Leon Bailey corner deflected in.

With Newcastle visiting Villa Park in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, some supporters have already called for Alysson to start. Emery, however, is taking a measured approach.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Emery outlined how he sees the Brazilian fitting into his system.

“He’s a winger. Left foot winger playing normally on the right side, and can play on the left side, but normally he’s playing on the right side,” Emery explained.

“He has qualities or skills like, more or less, Leon Bailey – left foot playing on the right side, and he has a huge potential.”

The comparison is significant. Bailey has been a key attacking outlet for Villa, particularly in one-versus-one situations and when cutting inside onto his stronger foot.

Having followed Villa’s attacking patterns this season, Emery’s wide players are expected to stretch play, drive inside and contribute defensively. Alysson appears to fit that profile, but adaptation will take time.

Alysson joined from Grêmio in January for £10 million, stepping into European football for the first time at senior level.

“Of course, his adaptation is being progressively better, but he needed time, and he is still needing time to adapt to us, and to get his best performances,” Emery added.

“But each match or each training session is very important for him.”

At 19, the Brazilian represents a long-term investment rather than an immediate solution. While flashes of pace and confidence were evident against Brighton, Emery is clearly focused on gradual integration.

With Villa balancing league ambitions and cup commitments, squad depth will be crucial in the coming weeks.

If Alysson continues to develop, he could provide valuable rotation options on either flank, particularly as fixtures intensify. However, it remains too early to expect consistent starting roles.

Alysson is expected to be involved again when Aston Villa host Newcastle in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.

Whether he starts or appears from the bench, Emery’s message is clear: development over immediacy.

Should Villa fast-track Alysson into the starting XI, or let him adapt gradually?