Aston Villa made headlines during the winter transfer window with a flurry of high-profile signings, adding significant quality to their squad.
Unai Emery now faces the challenge of fitting these new arrivals into his plans, particularly Marcus Rashford, who joins Villa on loan from Manchester United. Along with Rashford, the club also brought in Marco Asensio, Donyell Malen, Axel Disasi, and Andres Garcia, all of whom are expected to strengthen Villa’s squad. With such an influx of talent, the competition for starting spots is about to become fiercer, leading to key decisions for Emery in the coming months.
In goal, Emiliano Martinez remains undisputed as Villa’s No.1, and it’s hard to see that changing anytime soon. The Argentine shot-stopper continues to be one of the best in the world, having recently won FIFA’s Best Men’s Goalkeeper award for 2024. With a contract running through to 2029, Villa are secure in their goalkeeping position, and Martinez’s experience and leadership will continue to anchor the team for the foreseeable future.
At right-back, Villa’s January business has brought more competition into the fold. Andres Garcia joined from Levante, earning a Premier League debut already. However, Matty Cash, who has been a reliable starter, is expected to remain the first choice for now, especially as Garcia is seen as a long-term prospect. Cash’s injury means that Garcia will have the opportunity to make his mark in the coming weeks, potentially earning more starts during this period.
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The centre-back pairing is another area where Emery faces a selection dilemma. Villa’s established duo of Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres has been solid, but the arrival of Axel Disasi adds more depth. The Frenchman made a loan move from Chelsea after rejecting Tottenham’s interest and will provide valuable competition for both Konsa and Torres.
However, Disasi’s loan deal doesn’t include an option to buy, and Villa are likely to continue building around Konsa, who is under contract until 2028. Once Torres recovers from his injury, he will likely resume his place, with the left-footed defender offering better balance to the backline.
In midfield, Boubacar Kamara has impressed since recovering from his injury, cementing his place as a key defensive presence in the team. Alongside him, Youri Tielemans has been a regular starter and will likely continue in the holding role, given his experience and consistency. The Belgian midfielder has started more games than any other Villa player this season and provides the perfect balance of attacking and defensive responsibilities in the middle of the park. With the addition of new attacking options, Tielemans’ role will be crucial in maintaining stability in Villa’s midfield.
Attacking Options
The attacking options at Villa Park are where the competition becomes even more intense. Marcus Rashford is expected to slot in on the left wing, his preferred position, despite Villa having an established forward line. Rashford’s versatility allows him to play as a striker, but with Ollie Watkins firmly in place as the No.1 striker, Rashford will likely operate from the left, with Jacob Ramsey providing some competition for that spot.
Marco Asensio and Donyell Malen will also fight for starting roles, particularly on the right wing. With Asensio’s pedigree as a Champions League winner with Real Madrid, he could offer a significant edge in key matches, though Malen’s permanent move to Villa gives him a solid claim to regular playing time.
Up front, Ollie Watkins remains the first-choice striker, and Villa’s refusal to sell him to Arsenal in January underlines their trust in his abilities. Watkins’ link-up play with Rashford will be an exciting prospect, with both players offering different strengths to Villa’s attack.
Duran’s Departure
Jhon Duran’s departure clears the way for a partnership between Watkins and Rashford, and with Rashford’s pace and Watkins’ ability to hold the ball up, Villa will have a potent attacking combination. While the arrival of new attackers brings competition, Villa’s overall squad depth is much stronger, giving Emery a wider array of options for the remainder of the season.
As the season progresses, the depth and talent in Villa’s squad will give Emery plenty of choices in how to line up his team. The club’s new signings bring a wealth of experience and potential, and the competition for starting places will only enhance the team’s overall performance. Villa’s attacking options, in particular, are now a force to be reckoned with, and it will be fascinating to see how Emery integrates the new signings and builds upon the team’s success.
