‘Still work to do’ – Unai Emery demands more from record-breaking English-Cameroonian Brian Madjo

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has warned teenage striker Brian Madjo that there is still plenty of work ahead despite his record-breaking goal in the UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

The 17-year-old announced himself on the European stage on Wednesday, August 12, becoming the youngest player to start a UEFA Super Cup match when Villa faced the Champions League holders in Salzburg.

Madjo then etched his name further into the competition’s history shortly before half-time, becoming its youngest-ever goalscorer with a composed finish that briefly gave Villa hope of securing the trophy.

The young forward showed impressive strength to hold off PSG defender Willian Pacho before finding the net, underlining why Emery has gradually brought him closer to the first team.

Emery refuses to get carried away

Despite Madjo’s historic achievement, Emery was quick to temper expectations and stressed that the teenager must continue developing before he can establish himself as a regular at the highest level.

“He has been involved in our work last season but not playing. We tried to get him ready to perform like today.

“There is still work to do, but he showed that he can be close to us to play.”

Emery’s comments reflect Villa’s careful approach to Madjo’s development, with the club seeking to expose the youngster to senior football without placing excessive pressure on him.

The striker’s performance against PSG, however, offered further evidence that he is capable of competing at the highest level.

Record-breaking night ends in defeat

Madjo’s goal was not enough to secure Villa the Super Cup, with PSG eventually claiming a 2-1 victory.

Villa’s defeat denied them a major European trophy but provided a significant milestone for Madjo, who became the youngest starter and youngest goalscorer in the history of the competition on the same night.

For Emery, the immediate priority will be ensuring that the teenager builds on the experience rather than allowing the record to become a distraction.

Madjo’s emergence gives Villa another attacking option as they prepare for the new campaign, but Emery’s message was clear: the historic goal is only the beginning.

The teenager has now shown he can operate on a major European stage. The next challenge is proving he can do it consistently.