By 
Björn Engels has not only impressed his own fans with his start to life in the Premier League – he’s also impressing his national team manager too.
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Björn Engels has captured the hearts and imaginations of Aston Villa fans across the world with his early displays in the heart of the Aston Villa defence alongside Tyrone Mings, with the pair writhing in comparisons to the partnership of Mellberg and Laursen in the early 2000s.
But it’s not just the faithful that he’s impressed, with his national team manager Roberto Martinez also making comments about his start to life at Villa Park – stating that Engels ‘has had an impressive start to life in the Premier League’.
And Belgian news outlet Het Laatste Nieuws – otherwise known as HLN – are reporting that Martinez is planning to call up a newcomer to the Belgian National Team. Engels is likely to be one of the frontrunners for this place with the likes of Vincent Kompany now expected to have a reduced role due to his Head Coach role at Anderlecht.
HLN were spot on with their reporting of the Wesley and Marvelous Nakamba deals in the summer, and were a go-to source of information for fans looking for any news regarding those deals.
Björn has shown exactly why he could disrupt the current Tottenham Hotspur partnership occupying The Red Devils’ defensive line, consisting of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen in his early appearances for Aston Villa. His arrival on the international scene wouldn’t be too much of a shock either, with the ageing Belgian central-defenders consisting of Thomas Vermaelen and Vincent Kompany also. Injuries to more recent call-ups in Boyata and Denayer could see Engels fast-tracked to the squad.
Across his three competitive games and 293 minutes of football so far, Engels really hasn’t put a foot wrong. He’s won 76.9% of his defensive duels, made 20 interceptions and 11 clearances. Granted, in those three games Aston Villa shipped in five goals, but Engels was at fault for none of them.
He has shown his bravery for the club too – showcased by the numerous blocks he has made by putting himself in less-than-advantageous positions – including the one that put him in a dangerous situation due to his collision with Tyrone Mings.
Björn Engels has represented Belgium at youth level, but should he represent them at full senior level, the 24-year-old’s value will skyrocket, marking savvy business for Aston Villa who signed the defender for around £7,500,000.
Even if Engels doesn’t make it for the nearest international call-ups, expect him to make an appearance soon if he keeps up his current form.
