Aston Villa’s defence has just about picked itself during the last 18 months after some stable outcomes and glorious performances below Dean Smith and now Steven Gerrard.
Emiliano Martinez is the undisputed primary goalkeeper, whereas Matty Money, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Matt Targett make up the back-four in entrance of him after they’re all match. The likes of Kortney Hause and Axel Tuanzebe make the central defensive positions considerably aggressive, however the full-backs have been just about set in stone.
So when Targett suffered a head harm in opposition to Manchester Metropolis and was pressured off, there have been immediately worries from Villa followers as to who would fill in and the way a lot of a blow it might turn into within the upcoming video games.
If the win and efficiency in opposition to Leicester is something to go by although, they needn’t have frightened as a result of Ashley Younger is on the scene.
Who ought to begin at left-back for Villa?
Ashley Younger
Matt Targett
The previous Manchester United artificial his identify as a winger, lighting up the Premier League for Villa earlier than his transfer to Previous Trafford the place he received the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League. However throughout his time up north, Younger’s recreation remodeled from a flying winger to a dependable full-back. That was solidified when he moved to Italy with Inter Milan and received the Scudetto taking part in as a left wing-back.
Upon his return to Villa Park in the summertime on a free switch, the place he signed a £50k-per-week deal, many lauded his versatility as a giant purpose why the deal was an excellent one for the membership regardless of him being 36-years-old today. His efficiency in opposition to Leicester within the 2-1 win from left-back proved them proper.
He received 100% of his tackles on the day and solely Emi Buendia accomplished extra dribbles than him in a Villa shirt throughout the recreation. Regardless of being naturally right-footed, he stored the width nicely to stretch the Leicester defence and was a risk going ahead along with his crossing skill. His efficiency meant Villa barely missed Targett within the recreation and have been capable of choose up three factors with out him.
With a visit to Anfield up subsequent, Gerrard will need his strongest defence accessible to him. However with Younger’s expertise and profitable mentality, that might nicely embody the veteran who the Villans boss dubbed “excellent” in a wing-back function to supply a risk going ahead in addition to safety defensively in opposition to essentially the most potent assault within the nation.
As he proved solely final weekend, he may be game-changing in that place.
AND in different information, Matty Money stole the present in opposition to Leicester.
