Aston Villa believe they are going places — a Europe Conference League two-legged qualifying round later this month is the first stop but, if things go to plan, certainly not the last.
Confidence in a manager has not been as emphatic as it is for Unai Emery in some time, a European specialist and who is building the team in his image. He has brought in more than a dozen members of staff, with the power balance in the hierarchy geared towards him having autonomous control.
Enhanced by the arrival of Monchi, president of football operations and a close aide from their time together at Sevilla, Emery has been the influential voice in a summer recruitment drive that has amplified the strength of excitement.
How far can Villa really go this season and what should be expected?
What would be a good season?
“The goal always has to be the maximum possible,” Monchi said to Marca this month. “The higher we aspire, the higher we can reach. But always with coherent arguments and without selling smoke.”
Should Villa go deep in the Conference League, which — given the strength and depth of the squad — is feasible, it will caveat progress in the Premier League.
Villa finished seventh last season, with Emery winning 15 of the 25 league matches he was in charge of. The bedrock of their success was attributed to Emery having a week between matches, where he could meticulously prepare specific game plans for upcoming opposition. Increased travel, games and logistics will mean more plates are being spun this term.
Supporters will have differing but largely similar opinions, with a top-eight/seven finish and cup glory constituting an excellent campaign.
What would be a bad season?
Not reaching the Conference League group stages would leave a sour taste. It would mean they had been knocked out by either Hibernian or FC Luzern, their scheduled opponents in the qualifying round, which would constitute a major shock. An early exit also risks ramifications to their league form.
On a personal note, having moved to the Midlands this week, it would provoke immediate and galling flashbacks from my time following Southampton’s on-pitch tribulations last season. So a straightforward path in Europe and fulfilling early optimism in the league would be welcome!
Biggest problem to fix?
Splitting hairs, here. Villa’s side is book-ended with quality: Emiliano Martinez is a World Cup winner and the current holder of the best men’s goalkeeper prize at the 2022 ‘The Best’ FIFA Football Awards, while Ollie Watkins is Villa’s focal point in attack and imperative to Emery’s rotational, highly dynamic possessional structure.
The concern centres on the what if – as in what if one of them gets injured?
There is a drop-off between Martinez and Watkins and their replacements. Backup goalkeeper Robin Olsen is trusted by Emery but has flaws, while Cameron Archer and Jhon Duran are precocious talents and expected to step into Watkins’ shoes, but neither are remotely close to known quantities at Premier League level.
Most exciting signing?
You could pick any of the three additions so far. Pau Torres has transformational ball progression in defence, encouraging Emery to tweak Villa’s build-up structure. Youri Tielemans offers craft from midfield and importantly has experience in Europe and internationally. But it is £34.6million signing Moussa Diaby, blessed with raw pace, power and, expertly demonstrated in pre-season, ruthlessness in front of goal, who is the most thrilling.
Diaby will dovetail alongside Watkins and the nascent signs of a striking partnership are very promising. The 24-year-old has addressed the previous lopsided balance of Villa’s attack and has virtuoso qualities that might prove the difference in Villa breaking through the glass ceiling of the top six.
Most sad to see go?
Ashley Young. A tremendous servant during his two spells at the club and a leader in the dressing room. In those treacherous days following Steven Gerrard’s sacking, Young addressed the slipping standards and called for an immediate boost which, as we know now, duly came. With over 200 appearances and blessed with extreme versatility, his impact cannot be underestimated.
What do they still need to do in the transfer market?
Emery insists he is happy with Olsen as Martinez’s deputy, so the focus sharpens towards polishing other areas, even if they are not of immediate concern.
A case in point comes at full-back — Emery’s back three shape in pre-season calls for attack-minded wing-backs and wide players. A more expansive alternative to Matty Cash could be factored into the equation. On the opposite side, a replacement for Lucas Digne should he move to Saudi Arabia, especially while Alex Moreno is out injured.
What you may have missed in pre-season
Do not forget about Villa’s No 10s.
Something, inherently, appears to have clicked with Emiliano Buendia, who has chipped in with three goals and an assist during pre-season. The 26-year-old is playing with greater purpose and is beginning to regularly impact games, as opposed to just garnishing them. Philippe Coutinho’s future is slightly more uncertain given interest from overseas, but he has offered a timely reminder not to discount him just yet.
Following a truncated return due to injury, Coutinho went through the gears in pre-season. Operating in the left pocket, an area so productive in the past, and cutting in on his right foot, he is back to doing what he does best. Should he stay, he will serve as an effective, game-changing alternative to Emery, most likely coming off the bench.
What might be the manager’s undoing?
Well, considering I had three managers last season, the answer might be me.
Emery, contrary to the customary management school of thought, wants more games and more travel. His finesse in Europe will aim to placate that desire, but the threat of a season unravelling after a few bad results on the continent will always be a worry for any side.
And with Villa possessing total conviction in Emery’s project and forging the support network he desires, an acute nosedive in form will lead to deeper, structural questions. Fortunately, it is all a worst-case scenario and not something I have to lie in a cold, dark room thinking about… (I hope).
What else is new about the club this summer?
Monchi and a rewiring of Villa’s hierarchy, new trips and new stadiums.
To a much, much less important extent, my coverage of the club, too. I have the daunting task of filling the shoes of Gregg Evans, who has done an outstanding job on the Villa beat for several years. I am extremely privileged and thrilled to be here and will work relentlessly in writing the stories you want.
(Top photo: Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
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