Emery revealed that the team had been following Tielemans even before he joined Villa. The manager had previously seen Tielemans play for Anderlecht, Monaco, and Leicester City.

"We followed him even before I arrived here," Emery said. "He was playing at Anderlecht, Monaco, Leicester. And when I was in France, in Paris, he was playing in Monaco."

Emery explained that the team had been trying to sign Tielemans for a few years, but it was not easy due to his high profile and the fact that he was not performing well at the time. Tielemans was playing for Leicester City, which was relegated from the Premier League.

"We tried, in that moment we tried to convince him," Emery said. "There was a moment he was not performing in the level he usually had before. For different circumstances."

Emery also acknowledged that Tielemans had a difficult first season at Villa. He had to adapt to the team's style and compete with other players, such as Douglas Luiz.

"Of course last year was difficult for him because he needed some time to adapt to us," Emery said. "He had some players in front of him playing, like for example Douglas Luiz."

However, Emery praised Tielemans for his consistency and leadership this season. He has been a key player in the team, linking up with his teammates and helping to maintain possession of the ball.

"This year he's been consistent, really consistent," Emery said. "I think he's one of the leaders on the field because he's linking a lot on the field with our style through keeping ball possession and as well defensively."

Emery concluded that Tielemans is a very important player for the team, and his commitment to defense and his ability to help his teammates are his best characteristics.