View: Ezri Konsa must step up after Aston Villa defeat v Crystal Palace
Diego Carlos’ Achilles injury means Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa will have to step up – especially after his performance against Crystal Palace.
The pressure is really starting to mount on Steven Gerrard as his side lost 3-1 to Patrick Viera’s side at Selhurst Park.
Konsa partnered Tyrone Mings at the heart of Villa’s defence and he will need to improve his underlying statistics if he wants to be considered a long-term replacement for Carlos.
As per Wyscout, Konsa’s performance against Palace was well below the average that he has previously set himself.
He usually averages over 15 duels per 90 minutes, but could only manage 11 at Selhurst Park on Saturday (20 August).
Villa fans will be hoping for whoever replaces Carlos long-term to be a dominating physical presence such as the Brazilian who can add real leadership in defence.
Unfortunately, Konsa’s lack of duels demonstrated that the former Brentford man doesn’t have the same commanding presence as Carlos.
Konsa usually averages five interceptions per game, but only completed one against Palace which displays that the 24-year-old may be reluctant to be aggressive in his defending.
The limited number of interceptions shows that Konsa was happy to be conservative in his work on Saturday, instead of getting in front of the attacker and winning the ball before it arrives at an opposition player’s feet.
Finally, Carlos has shown his ability to progress the ball forward quickly for Gerrard’s side with longer passes into midfield.
Konsa only attempted one long ball for Villa during their defeat to Palace.
Aston Villa under Gerrard are sometimes accused of being one-paced and slow in possession.
It is crucial that Konsa and Mings look to move the ball forward quicker in the coming weeks and exploit spaces that may open up.
It is time for Konsa to form a solid partnership with Mings and make Villa a lot more solid in the coming weeks.
In other Aston Villa news, the club have agreed a £25m deal for Watford’s Ismaila Sarr.