Villa offer glimpse into future despite friendly loss

Aston Villa’s new season vision under Unai Emery is emerging despite a 4-2 pre-season friendly loss to Real Sociedad. The game highlighted the potential of young talents like striker Brian Madjo, George Hemmings, and Modou Cisse. Madjo, a 6ft 4in teenage striker, scored an equaliser and showcased predatory instincts, even while his £10m transfer from Metz faces a CAS appeal over international registration rules. Emery is refining his squad, with key players still absent due to World Cup breaks or injuries, ahead of an intensive tour schedule and the Super Cup.