Aston Villa are pleased to announce the signings of goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and left-back Matteo Ruggeri, marking a significant boost to their squad for the upcoming season.
Japan international goalkeeper Suzuki makes the move from Italian side Parma to Villa Park for a fee of £30 million, a deal that has generated considerable excitement within the football community.
The Italian full-back Ruggeri joins Villa in a contract worth £17 million from Atletico Madrid, representing a considerable investment for the club.
Suzuki, 23, brings a wealth of experience to Villa Park, having spent two years at Parma, where he made 59 appearances for the Serie A side and helped them finish 13th in the league.
He was previously on loan at Sint-Truiden in Belgium, where he was coached by Dennis Rudel, who describes him as having “an intriguing image of Villa’s new goalkeeper.” Rudel notes that Suzuki’s power and ability to reach the ball with his hands are particularly impressive, with a 90-95% save rate.
“We played in Anderlecht and after the game we went out to the bus and there was a fight with hooligans,” he recounts. “The head coach called for Zion: ‘Come here, get out of the bus and clear the situation.’ It was a joke but you have a picture of Asterix and Obelix and everything is flying away. You have never seen a goalkeeper or a player like that.”
Suzuki’s former coach, Dennis Rudel, highlights Suzuki’s distribution skills – particularly his ability to launch into space – and believes he possesses “a unique and dynamic player.”
Rudel also emphasizes Suzuki’s mental fortitude, noting his discipline and preparation, which he believes will be crucial for his success.
“I saw his power immediately. To show your strength in the game you have to let the tiger out on the pitch, let the beast out. He is so powerful, I have never seen a goalkeeper like it,” said Rudel, who worked with Suzuki when he was on loan at Sint-Truiden in 2023-24.
Ruggeri, 24, is yet to be capped at senior level for Italy, and comes in to replace Lucas Digne, who signed for Paris Saint-Germain on August 9th. He made over 100 appearances for the Serie A side before completing his transfer to Atletico last summer.
Ruggeri’s move to Atletico is a significant one, having spent his career at Atalanta, a team in Italy, where he was a regular member of their first team. He’s been a consistent performer, consistently appearing in matches and contributing to their success.
He’s expected to make his debut in Sunday’s Premier League opener at Brighton.
Suzuki’s former coach at Sint-Truiden is optimistic about his potential to become a top-tier goalkeeper, and he is confident that he can become one of the best in the world. He’s aiming to show he can be one of the best. The club believes that the new signing is a long-term investment.
Martinez, the manager of Aston Villa, remains uncertain about his future, with the club facing a challenging season ahead.
The team is keen to secure a strong defensive record this season, and the arrival of Suzuki and Ruggeri is a welcome addition to their squad.
Rudel added that the club is looking to create a new, strong goalkeeper, and he believes that he is a unique player. The new signings represent a significant investment for the club, and they are hopeful that the new signings will make a positive impact on the team.
Rudel also praised Suzuki’s distribution, with his arms and feet, and believes his former player can become one of the best in the world, and the club hopes to see him succeed.
The club is also keen to see how Ruggeri adapts to the Premier League, and is hoping that he will be able to produce a great performance.
Villa are excited about the new signings, and they are hoping that they will be able to create a winning team. The new signings are a step in the right direction for the club, and the team are hopeful that they will be able to achieve success this season.
The club’s new signings represent a significant investment, and they are hoping that the new signings will make a positive impact on the team.
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Source: BBC Football
