Zion Suzuki could make Premier League history only four days after completing his £30million move to Aston Villa, with Unai Emery facing a major decision over who starts in goal against Brighton.
The Japan international officially joined Villa from Parma on Wednesday and has arrived as genuine competition for Emi Martinez rather than simply another back-up goalkeeper.
If Suzuki is handed his competitive debut at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, he would become the first Japanese goalkeeper to play in the Premier League, according to The Guardian.
That gives Emery’s opening-day selection an added layer of significance.
Zion Suzuki could make Aston Villa history at Brighton
Read Aston Villa reported on Wednesday that Suzuki’s transfer had been officially completed, with the deal understood to be worth €30million plus a further €5million in potential add-ons.
Attention immediately turned towards the goalkeeping hierarchy.
Our latest Aston Villa predicted XI against Brighton has Suzuki starting, despite Martinez remaining at Villa Park following the collapse of his proposed Juventus move.
Starting the 23-year-old would represent a significant call from Emery.
It could also create history.
The Guardian reports that Suzuki is in line to become the first Japanese goalkeeper to appear in the Premier League, ending a long wait for Japan in a position where players from the country have struggled to establish themselves at Europe’s biggest clubs.
Japanese outfield players have become increasingly prominent in England, but goalkeepers have followed a different path.
Suzuki now has an opportunity to change that.
Why Aston Villa believe Suzuki can replace Martinez
Villa have not taken a punt on an inexperienced goalkeeper.
Suzuki had already accumulated 37 Serie A appearances for Parma before the beginning of last season, according to official Lega Serie A records.
His rise has been rapid.
After beginning his career with Urawa Red Diamonds, Suzuki moved to Belgian side Sint-Truiden before establishing himself in Italy with Parma.
He then strengthened his reputation internationally.
Lega Serie A highlighted his performance for Japan against the Netherlands at this summer’s World Cup, when he made five saves in a 2-2 draw.
The Guardian describes athleticism, shot-stopping and command of his penalty area among the characteristics that have attracted admirers during his European development.
Those qualities help explain why Villa were prepared to commit such a substantial fee.
Martinez’s future has been uncertain throughout the summer, but Suzuki’s arrival gives Emery the option to begin the succession process before the Argentina international actually leaves.
Brighton could provide the first indication of how quickly Villa intend to make that transition.
If Suzuki starts on Sunday, his first Aston Villa appearance would already come with a place in Premier League history attached.
