Former Arsenal player undervalued is now being compared to Messi

Previously sold at a low price by Arsenal, Donyell Malen is currently excelling at Aston Villa and is regarded by Dutch press as Europe’s “new Lionel Messi.”

Having been sold for only £540,000 by Arsenal in 2017, Donyell Malen is now surprising English football by being compared to the legend Lionel Messi thanks to his outstanding form at Aston Villa.

On the AD Voetbalpodcast show, commentators Etienne Verhoeff and Maarten Wijffels didn’t hold back their praise: “There are days when Malen plays as if he’s wearing Lionel Messi’s boots, everything is flawless—from dribbling to finishing.”

Although this comparison might be somewhat exaggerated, it clearly reflects Malen’s recent impressive performance. With his speed, confidence, and ability to handle the ball in tight spaces, the Dutch player brings a fresh dynamic to Aston Villa’s attack, which is aiming for a spot in next season’s European competitions.

Born and trained in Arsenal's renowned Hale End academy, Malen was once considered one of the brightest talents of his generation. However, his path to the first team under Arsene Wenger was blocked by numerous stars, forcing the Dutch player to seek a new club for career growth. PSV Eindhoven became his destination, where his career began to take off.

According to talkSPORT, Arsenal agreed to sell Malen to PSV for around £540,000, a figure seen as a bargain for the Dutch club. After years of development, Malen quickly established himself in the Eredivisie with his speed, dribbling skills, and precise finishing. This form helped him return to the Premier League with Aston Villa last summer.

Initially, the 26-year-old striker struggled to adapt under coach Unai Emery. However, within a few months, Malen began proving his worth. In a recent match against Burnley, he scored twice, securing an important victory for Aston Villa. This explosive performance immediately caught the attention of Dutch media, who are now likening him to Messi due to his impressive displays on the pitch.

Jurrien Timber, Arsenal defender and Malen’s teammate in the Dutch national team, will have the chance to play alongside him during the upcoming October international break.

Arsene Wenger might feel some regret seeing his former pupil shine so brightly elsewhere. But for Malen, taking a detour has been the journey that helped him rediscover himself. From a missed talent, the player who left Arsenal for less than £1 million is now emerging as one of the most exciting names in the Premier League.