Can Aston Villa Bounce Again and Safe Champions League Soccer?
Aston Villa followers have loads to be enthusiastic about as the brand new Premier League season approaches, however there are additionally some critical questions hovering over the squad. Talking completely to EPL Index, Dean Saunders gave his forthright views on the state of affairs at Villa Park, and his insights elevate some necessary factors concerning the street forward for Unai Emery and his gamers.
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Emery’s Influence and Watkins’ Frustration
There’s little doubt Unai Emery has remodeled Aston Villa. Saunders stated, “Unai Emery has made such a distinction to Aston Villa,” and it’s exhausting to argue with that. Emery’s tactical self-discipline and talent to get the perfect out of his gamers noticed Villa clinch a top-four end final season, one thing that regarded unbelievable when he took over.
Nevertheless, Saunders raised eyebrows when reflecting on Emery’s dealing with of key striker Ollie Watkins. “I used to be shocked that he performed Marcus Rashford forward of Ollie Watkins in some video games final season. If I used to be Watkins, I’d have been raging.” Watkins’ objectives have been central to Villa’s Champions League qualification, so any trace of unrest between him and Emery is worrying. Emery should restore this relationship shortly or threat shedding one in every of his most significant gamers.
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Reinforcements Wanted in Assault
The departure of Jhon Duran and the return of Marcus Rashford to Manchester United leaves Villa quick in assault. At present, solely Donyell Malen and Watkins stay as senior forwards. As Saunders identified, “They’re going to wish to signal any individual else, possibly Dominic Calvert-Lewin – however if you happen to’re going to pay him massive wages, you could take a look at his harm report.”
Calvert-Lewin has undoubted expertise, however his health report is patchy. Villa are a possible 60-game season throughout all competitions, and signing a striker who can solely handle half of that workload could be an enormous threat. Depth up entrance is now not a luxurious, it’s important if Villa need to stay aggressive on a number of fronts.
Mentality of Incoming Gamers
Saunders additionally touched on the mindset required for any new arrival. “I’ve been there previously, realizing that I used to be most likely going to be second-choice behind a first-choice striker like Watkins. But when you’ll transfer to Villa this summer time, it’s important to again your self you could get within the staff and keep within the staff.”
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This speaks to the tradition Emery is attempting to construct at Villa, the place competitors for locations ought to elevate requirements throughout the board. Any incoming striker should be ready to problem Watkins, not simply make up the numbers.
Trying Forward
Villa’s progress below Emery has been spectacular, however this summer time is shaping as much as be an important one. Fixing the connection with Watkins, signing a dependable ahead, and sustaining squad depth will decide whether or not they can consolidate their Champions League place or threat falling away.
With massive European nights on the horizon, Villa followers will likely be hoping their supervisor makes the correct calls. As Saunders summed up completely, “From Emery’s viewpoint, he positively wants extra choices up entrance.”