The Dutch forward was sold an ambitious project by Unai Emery, with the cachet of Champions League football carrying significant appeal

Aston Villa signed attacker Donyell Malen and right-back Andres Garcia in the winter transfer window, but the pair have been left out of the club’s squad for the Champions League knockout

But with Villa suffering something of a defensive crisis, Emery has instead opted for centre-back Alex Disasi, a deadline day loan signing from Chelsea. Fellow loan signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio have also been picked. He said: “The rules only can register three changes. We changed five players and only we can register three.