BIRMINGHAM – Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba has discovered his best form under new boss Steven Gerrard.
Nakamba has started both of Gerrard’s first games as a Premier League manager in wins over Brighton and Crystal Palace, and the Zimbabwe international says ‘it’s a really good feeling’ to win back-to-back games.
Nakamba looks set to start against Man City on Wednesday night when Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions visit Villa Park for Gerrard’s third game in charge.
The former Club Brugge midfielder told VillaTV ahead of the game: “Each and every game is always a tough game.
"It motivates me, it gives courage and belief back home for young players who have the dream to play in the Premier League." 🇿🇼 @Nakamba_11
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 30, 2021
“Now playing against Man City, it’s not easy but I think we need to give everything and compete, continue what we’re doing and give everything to get a positive result.
“Especially when we play at Villa Park at home with the fans, it gives us a massive boost. In the last match the away fans were fantastic but I think at home it’s more easy because they push everyone, it’s always full so I think it’s a massive boost for us.”
Nakamba was voted man of the match in Villa’s most recent win over Palace, as goals from Matt Targett and John McGinn helped Gerrard’s side to a 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park.
“For me it’s always about the collective, as a team, if we do well as a team then afterwards, personal (plaudits) as well,” Nakamba added.
“It doesn’t matter like that to me, as long as the team does well, it’s more important for me.”
Speaking about Gerrard’s influence since he took over as the new Villa boss at the start of the month, Nakamba said: “I’ve enjoyed it and also they’ve been speaking to us about how they want us to play.
“They want us to improve, they’re on to us every time which is good, it helps us improve in a lot of things.
“So far, they’ve been really helpful in terms of making us believe and making us improve and trying our best in the aspects of where they think we are stronger in. They give us more options to get better and better and better.”
Gerrard has stuck with Villa’s midfield trio, Nakamba, McGinn, and Jacob Ramsey for each of his opening games against Brighton and Palace. 27-year-old Nakamba however, says he’s comfortable to play with any one of his team-mates.
“I feel comfortable with anyone on the pitch,” he added.
“I’ve played with Ramsey, McGinn, Dougie, with Carney and we’re always pushing each other in training, we are close to each other.”