Former Birmingham City striker Troy Deeney has pinpointed the fitness of midfielder Boubacar Kamara as the critical factor that could propel Aston Villa back into European contention this season.
Kamara the catalyst for Villa's impressive run
Deeney's comments come as Aston Villa's fine run of form continued with a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend, secured by a stunning strike from Kamara himself. After a sluggish start to the campaign, Unai Emery's side have transformed into one of the Premier League's most in-form teams.
Their recent record is formidable: seven wins, one draw, and just a single defeat – away to champions Liverpool – from their last nine league outings. In that period, they have scored 16 goals, conceded only seven, and amassed 22 points from a possible 27, a tally that surpasses even current leaders Arsenal.
Deeney's glowing endorsement
Speaking as a pundit for BBC Sport, Deeney named Kamara in his Team of the Week and was effusive in his praise. "If he can be fully fit and stay fit, Villa have a real chance of pushing for Europe again. I think he is that good," Deeney stated.
He highlighted the French international's all-round impact in the derby win, saying: "He broke up play really well, dominated in midfield and capped it off with a goal." Deeney believes Kamara's ability to control the engine room is what makes the team tick.
The undeniable statistics behind Kamara's influence
The data overwhelmingly supports Deeney's assertion about Kamara's importance. Since joining on a free transfer from Marseille in the summer of 2022 – a deal considered one of the club's best in the Premier League era – his presence has been transformative.
According to Stat Muse, from the start of the 2023/24 season, Villa's win percentage with Kamara on the pitch is 58% (33 wins, 9 draws, 15 defeats). Without him, that figure plummets to just 41% (13 wins, 11 draws, 8 defeats).
His absence was keenly felt during a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace earlier this season, and his return to fitness has directly coincided with the team's current surge. This term, he boasts the highest average match rating (7.05) of any Villa player, underlining his status as the squad's most consistent performer.
With 114 appearances, three goals, and five assists for Villa, Kamara's primary value lies in his defensive protection and midfield control, qualities that have made him a fan favourite during a period which has seen the club qualify for Europe for three consecutive seasons.
