Premier League team introductions: Aston Villa as the dark horse of the competition

A traditional Premier League participant who has been looking for a way back to the top of the Premier League for the last few years. Aston Villa will be one of the dark horses of the competition this season and can easily attack the top seven.

Big things were expected from Aston Villa in their first season after promotion to the Premier League (2019/20). However, the Birmingham-based outfit struggled there and only gained certainty of salvation after playing the last round.

Last season was already much better, the Villans played some memorable games, scoring seven goals against Liverpool, beating Arsenal twice, taking the scalp of Chelsea as well. Shame they ran out of breath after the New Year.

It wasn’t just about strength, the injury to Jack Grealish, undoubtedly the team’s biggest star, was also an important factor. He scored six goals and assisted twelve times last year, without playing even thirty games.

But Grealish will be wearing the light blue jersey of Manchester City from the new season, who brought him in as the most expensive signing in the club’s history. It was hard for the Aston Villa captain to leave his teammates, but in the end he decided to take on a new challenge.

Coach Dean Smith clearly counted on the departure of the offensive star, as he brought in Emiliano Buendia, a skilful left-back and the Championship’s best player for the 2020/21 season, right from the start of the transfer window.

And that’s not the only new winger, Leon Bailey, an extremely fast (and again left-footed) footballer, arrived from Leverkusen. The transfer of Danny Ings, one of the top scorers in the Isles in recent years, was also a bit of a shock. Southampton got over 35 million euros for him.

It is also important for Smith that the core of the team stayed together. All but Grealish remained in the starting line-up, with only striker Mbwana Samatta and stopper Bjorn Engels leaving.

Villans have TOP players in all ranks. Emiliano Martinez charms between the three poles, in defence we find England international Tyrone Mings, skilful right-back Matty Cash or talented Ezri Konsa.

Douglas Luiz and John McGinn command the centre of midfield. Both of them are very strong and running midfielders who are also not hindered by the ball at their feet. They can be replaced off the bench by the experienced Conor Hourihane or the youthful Jacob Ramsey.

I have already mentioned the two reinforcements on the wings, but besides Bailey and Buendía we must not forget Bertrand Traore, Anwar El Ghazi and Trezeguet. All three had periods last season where they dragged Villa with their goals.

Perhaps the biggest question mark hangs over the position of the finished striker. Both Ings and Ollie Watkins are too good to be the number two option. What did Smith intend by buying the former? A two striker formation?

With such a strong squad, even without Grealish, Aston Villa can still fight for a top 7 finish and therefore the European Cup. Moreover, he has an experienced and respected coach who has been through a lot with the players.

Prediction:: 8th place

Source: Aston Villa