Marco Asensio outlines how position discussions aided Aston Villa switch

After two failed attempts to sign the former Real Madrid star, he managed to capture the attacking midfielder on a season long loan from PSG in January.

And Asensio has made an instant impact at Villa Park, netting a double including a late winner in their 2-1 win over Chelsea on Saturday.

The Spaniard was delighted to join what he sees as a 'project' at the club, and explained that the lure of working with Emery and discussions around playing in his preferred number ten position, played a hand in him making the move.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the playmaker said: "Happy to join the project, be with my team-mates and staff, and grateful to be able to give a lot of joy to the fans as well. 

"I want to be able to help us achieve the goals that we have, collectively, as a team and a club.

"Those of you who have seen me from the outside, you have seen me play more from the left or from the right, with that freedom to come inside.

"But this is my natural position, where I started out at Mallorca, when I signed for Madrid. It has been one of my personal goals to play in that position because I believe it will help me reach my maximum level in terms of goals, assists and helping the team.

"It has been the key factor, an important one when it comes to coming here. 

"The coach and staff also feel the same way in terms of what I can offer in that position. For me, that is the most important thing because that is where I can achieve my full potential."

Asensio and fellow January signing Marcus Rashford have both made key impacts since their arrivals at the club, as Villa look to progress in the Champions League and climb up the table to ensure they return to Europe's elite competition for a second straight season.

Villa also remain in the FA Cup and Asensio is excited to be battling on all fronts.

He added: "He has that mentality and the players have it too so I am really looking forward to what is left of this season because I believe there are lots of important challenges ahead for Aston Villa and we can feel that the support of the fans is there to help us achieve it.

"It is incredible how they support us and encourage us. If you put that all together, the club, coach, players and fans, we believe that we can aspire towards achieving the maximum this year in the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup."