Unai Emery Highlights Critical Midfield Quartet for Aston Villa's Premier League Run-In
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has pinpointed four midfield stars who he believes carry a substantial burden of responsibility as the club navigates the crucial final phase of the Premier League season. Following a 1-1 draw away at AFC Bournemouth, Emery's comments reveal a clear focus on a midfield department currently ravaged by injuries.
Midfield Crisis Places Pressure on Available Players
Emery finds his squad in a precarious position, with the team appearing vulnerable to the challenge of in-form sides like Manchester United and Chelsea who are mounting late pushes. The manager acknowledged that his available midfielders could ultimately determine the success or failure of Villa's campaign, particularly their ambition to secure UEFA Champions League qualification for the following season.
The midfield has been severely depleted, with Boubacar Kamara ruled out for the remainder of the season and doubts lingering over the return dates for key figures Youri Tielemans and John McGinn. This situation has placed an immense onus on the remaining players not only to perform at a high level but also to maintain their fitness.
Emery Names the Four with 'Huge Responsibility'
In a post-match discussion, Emery explicitly named the quartet expected to step up. "Douglas Luiz, Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley and Lamare Bogarde have a huge responsibility to replace the injured players - McGinn, Tielemans and Kamara," the Villa boss stated.
He emphasised that the injured trio had been long-serving, high-performing assets for the club. Emery specifically highlighted the need for Onana to find consistency and avoid further fitness issues, praising the player's "fantastic match" against Bournemouth and his importance in defensive set-piece situations.
Douglas Luiz's Pivotal Role Upon Return
Among the available options, the return of Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus is seen as particularly vital. The Brazilian midfielder, back at Villa Park 19 months after his £42 million transfer to Italy, has shown promising signs in his first two appearances despite the team's mixed results.
Emery noted Luiz's effective performance at the Vitality Stadium and stressed his ongoing development. "After one year and a half away from here, Luiz is needed, to recover him doing the tasks in our demands," Emery explained. "He improved from the first match, but there is still work to do to get his best." His fitness and form could be a decisive factor in whether Villa clinches a top-five finish.
Supporting Cast Also Crucial for Villa
Emery also offered positive assessments of the other midfielders tasked with filling the void. He described Ross Barkley as a "fantastic player" who is regaining match fitness and confidence, asserting that he "will be important for us." Regarding the versatile Lamare Bogarde, the manager highlighted his adaptability and the crucial role he plays in covering for the absentees.
The immediate challenge for this patched-up midfield unit is a quick turnaround, with a Premier League home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday evening, followed by an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Newcastle United at Villa Park just three days later.
