Live from Walsall: Aston Villa player ratings as they breeze past Walsall
Aston Villa got their preseason underway with an easy four goal win in their annual friendly with League Two side Walsall.
Ahead of their tour of Australia the Lions ran out 4-0 winners – Leon Bailey got proceedings underway, with Cameron Archer, Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz also getting on the scoresheet.
Here, direct from the Poundland Bescott Stadium Aston Villa News rates the players in their first action of the summer.
Viljami Sinsalo – 7
He did not have a lot to do, but he handled himself well when he was needed.
Kaine Kesler – 7
The young right-back did well going forward, but struggled at times defensively. All in all it was a promising display from the youngster.
Diego Carlos – 8
Put in a commanding display and dominated in the air. A very encouraging outing from Villa’s new star.
Tyrone Mings – 5
Villa’s captain put in a poor showing and crumbled under pressure. He surrendered possession several times and dropped Villa in trouble.
Seb Revan – 7
The young left-back was a late inclusion in the starting line-up, but handled it well. His attacking play was particularly impressive.
Finn Azaz – 6
It was a steady first showing for Azaz in claret and blue, but he handled the pressure well and put in a good display.
Marvelous Nakamba – 7
As usual, it was not a glamorous display from Nakamba but he performed his duties to the letter and kept the opposition in his pocket.
Bertrand Traore – 7
It was a decent display from Traore as he hits the comeback trail again. He showed his range of tricks and caused havoc down Villa’s right.
Anwar El Ghazi – 6
It was an anonymous showing from El Ghazi, enough to make it difficult to remember he was on the pitch.
Leon Bailey – 8
Bailey grabbed Villa’s opener with a powerful finish and was dominant on the left. It was a strong showing of what he is capable of and a good sign of what’s to come.
Cameron Archer – 7
Archer scored Villa’s second, pressuring a trialist and producing a clinical finish. He was somewhat quiet aside from this, but it was still a decent showing.
Ashley Young – 6
He got forward well when needed, but he was more focused on his defensive responsibilities.
Calum Chambers – 6
He got forward well on a couple of occasions, but largely was not needed
Josh Feeney – 6
Feeney was deeply unlucky not to get on the scoresheet as he spooned a cross over the bar from close range. He did not have much to do aside from that.
Ben Chrisene – 8
He put in a fantastic display in the second half as the Walsall defence failed to contain the young star.
Morgan Sanson – 7
It was another good display from the Frenchman as he goes in search of senior minutes. He showed a good willingness to get back and shield the back four.
Tommi O’Reilly – 6
It was a steady showing from O’Reilly, but he failed to have much of an impact on the game.
Douglas Luiz – 8
The Brazilian added Villa’s fourth direct from a corner and put in a fantastic showing in midfield.
Emi Buendia – 8
Mirroring his performance in this fixture last season, Buendia came on and ran the show. It was another display of his immeasurable talent as he looks to cement a starting berth.
Danny Ings – 6
Ings thought he had scored a tap in from a yard out, but the referee had already blown for a foul. He did not have much of an impact aside from that.
Ollie Watkins – 8
Watkins put in a much more energetic performance than Ings and grabbed a clinical third goal. He showed a great desire and linked up well with Buendia.
In other Aston Villa news, the women’s side kicked off the summer with a smart double signing.