Charlton testimonial man backing Aston Villa defender to be Premier League success story

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Charlton defender Chris Solly is backing Ezri Konsa to be a big success for Aston Villa this season – with the former Addicks youngster back in SE7 on Saturday.

The newly-promoted Premier League club are the opposition for Solly’s testimonial at The Valley this weekend.

Konsa was sold by Charlton owner Roland Duchatelet to Brentford last summer. Twelve months later and he is getting ready to face the elite in England’s top-flight.

Solly, 28, said: “I think it [Brentford] was a really good move for him. He needed that step up when he left us.

“Going to the Championship and playing 40-odd games. Now this opportunity has come to kick on again. He’s done it perfectly.

“I almost feel the Premier League will suit him even more. He is laid-back but unbelievably good on the ball. I’ve got no doubts he will go on to do really well this season. It’s going to be nice to see him back at The Valley. I’m sure the fans will like to see him again.

“You can see potential when lads step up training with the first team, because it is quite daunting and tough. It was easy for him. I’d seen that before with Joe Gomez. You knew with Joe he would kick on and be in the Premier League. I had the same thoughts with Ez.

“He played a few games for us at right-back but his best position is centre-back. He also played centre-midfield for us because he had so much energy and quality on the ball.”

See Friday’s South London Press for an in-depth interview with Solly on his testimonial match.

Tickets for Chris Solly’s testimonial game against Aston Villa at The Valley on Saturday, July 27, cost £15. Visit booking.cafc.co.uk to purchase.