I would love to hear the story about how he got named Indiana. First generation American born in Georgia (the state) to a Bulgarian family of footballers. I'm hoping it totally has to do with Indiana Jones. It feels like he moved to Villa forever ago. Can't believe he's only 18.
Much better. I like to seed a thread and then watch the intelligent and creative posters make it blossom.
Really special day for the US Youth Team... to get two new players valuable minutes in the top flight in Europe. The vibe surely felt different when Indiana subbed in. He brought energy. Didn't get a ton of touches but his pressing was good. Villa could sure use an offensive boost... hoping Indiana can provide it.
Or for a double reference. Dr. Vassilev or: How His Parents Learned to Stop Being Bulgarian and Love Indiana
I’ve said it before and Ill say it again. I saw Villa play the Dynamo in Houston one summer and Grealish was probably 17-19 at the time and the dude had the biggest calves I have ever seen. Absolutely huge calves.
THIS!!!!! We will never get this chance again. Even if it’s just “Raiders of Villa Park”, we have to. @bungadiri you agree, right? Now we could do something really cool like “Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?” That would be awesome (totally off topic- say that line to Alexa next time you are around one, she knows that movie quote). Cheers!
I've been asleep on his progress. I remember him when he was with the U17's but I believe he was one of the younger players and at that age it matters a lot. When he went to the Premier league I figured he be another in the cogs getting crushed and spit out like so many others ie Hyndman, Lletget etc. He still has to have staying power but wow what a surprise.
🙌🇺🇸🦁 #USMNT teenager Indiana Vassilev receives glowing praise from Aston Villa boss Dean Smith after making his Premier League debut: "He is definitely ready to start" | #AVFC #PLonNBC https://t.co/GmoDj60juI pic.twitter.com/0dkwrsQqWb— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 21, 2020
For those too lazy to click, here are is glowing comments. There was also a bit about his background which I didnt know much about... Bulgarian soccer family that emigrated to the US. “He is definitely ready to start,” Smith said. “The kid’s a bright spark, and we’ve seen that when he’s come on so far. He gave them (Brighton) problems on Saturday when he came on. It was a super ball from Douglas but, unless Indi makes that run down the side, he doesn’t drag Webster across, and Jack get in for the goal. He knows what he’s doing up there, he’s got a lot of pace, and he can run all day as well.” Villa’s boss didn’t stop there though, as he also revealed that the young striker born in Savannah, Georgia has the backing of the senior players around him to go on and become a regular contributor in the Premier League. “I’ve never been afraid to go and put young kids in if I feel they’re ready. I congratulated him after the game and said, ‘You’re a Premier League player now.’ He’s surprised me in a good way,” Smith added. “Sometimes when you give an opportunity to a young player they can sink or swim. He is certainly a swimmer. He has looked really good so far. You can always tell how the reaction is through the other players, in their relationships with them. You can see them all behind him. He goes in and puts a shift in for them. If you do that and have quality to add to it you will do alright in the dressing room. He’s got a goalscoring ability, he knows where the back of the net is, he knows what runs to make. Tactically he’s intelligent. Physically he’s impressive as well.”
Wow... Thanks for posting that bsky22... Those are glowing comments for sure... Perhaps the most telling sentence is the 1st... that he is ready to start in the EPL... hopefully that it is what literally happens today! Considering the short turn-around... I would expect the chances to be legit.