The Unai Emery era has officially begun at Aston Villa. The seasoned manager took charge of his first training session with his new side at Bodymoor Heath on Wednesday.
The Spanish coach’s arrival has certainly lifted the spirits of the fan base who feel that he is the man who can lead the club back into Europe.
In the three full seasons Villa have had in the Premier League since their promotion through the Championship play-offs, the supporters’ and the club’s expectations have not been met to restore Villa to its former glory.
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With a record four Europa League titles as a manager (three with Sevilla and one with Villarreal), Emery also guided Villarreal to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2021-22 and is seen as the key to bring European football back to Villa Park.
For Villa to go and pry him away from the Yellow Submarine shows a real signal of intent from the owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, but also reflects the interest in the project from Emery’s side.
Across his managerial career, Emery has utilised either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 system, the latter which he predominantly used at Villarreal.
The players will all be eagerly waiting to learn from one of the most intelligent minds in football and there are some players who could really benefit from his methods.
Tyrone Mings
Things haven’t started off brilliantly for the England defender in 2022-23. Stripped of the club captaincy by Steven Gerrard in pre-season and effectively told he couldn’t be relied upon. That would shatter any player’s confidence.
Emery’s system at Villarreal, which saw them reach the last eight of the Champions League last term was largely down to the organisation and discipline that started with the defence, all the way through to the attackers. Veteran Raul Albiol and Pau Torres received widespread praise for their defensive displays in that incredible campaign.
Mings could benefit from having a coach who obsesses over the compactness of his team and leaves no attention to detail on perfecting his defensive structure. If there is one person to raise his confidence, it’s Emery.
John McGinn
The Scottish midfielder assumed the captaincy from Mings in the summer and that one decision made by Gerrard caused more harm than good. McGinn is renowned for his high-energy pressing and hold-up play but since becoming captain, his form has taken a nosedive.
Emery loves to use a double pivot in his midfields and McGinn has all the tools that Emery likes in those roles. A change in dugout will come as a fresh air for the midfielder and fans might see a revitalised player after a few weeks under the wing of his new mentor.
Douglas Luiz
We have seen glimpses of Luiz’s talent in the heart of midfield over the past few years but consistency has always been an issue. Not only is he combative, he has a delicious passing range which can be enhanced by Emery.
The former Villarreal manager’s teams are known for their ruthlessness on the break, meaning a lot of quick transitions and explosive passes. By improving the Brazilian’s consistency and form, Villa will have an additional creative dynamic from deep which will be music to the ears of forwards Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.
Emiliano Buendia
The Argentine winger was one of the best players in the Championship when he joined Villa over a year ago, but so far things have not quite gone to plan for him or the club. Under Gerrard he found himself in and out of the team which made it hard for him to settle and improve. Emery will have done his homework and seen just how much of an asset he has at his disposal and what he can offer the team going forward.
Buendia is an excellent ball carrier and he is just as effective at scoring goals as he is assisting his teammates. If you need reminding of just how good he can be, just go and watch his Norwich highlights.
Philippe Coutinho
If Emery opts to use a 4-2-3-1 system in B6 then that might just give the former Liverpool midfielder a lifeline at Villa. He had an immediate impact in claret and blue when he originally joined on loan from Barcelona last January, but he has really struggled to push on this campaign.
Despite his career stagnating since his Anfield departure four years ago, he remains a proven player in this league and Emery will be well aware of this. If the Brazilian were to deployed as a number ten, just behind the striker and surrounded by the attacking talents of Buendia and Leon Bailey, we might just see the Brazilian rediscover the form that had the Villa Park faithful falling in love with him just 10 months ago.
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