Jonty Banks

Thu 17 November 2022 20:10, UK

For all three of the marquee summer signings, life at Aston Villa has proven tricky following a combination of injuries and poor form.

As Christian Purslow outlined a bold new future for the club under Steven Gerrard, the club snapped up the services of Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho, centre-back Diego Carlos, and French international Boubacar Kamara, all of whom were seen as brilliant acquisitions.

But for one reason or another, the trio have struggled to make an impression on proceedings at Villa Park and will now look to Unai Emery for a fresh start.

The most disappointing of the three has undoubtedly been Coutinho, who has been a shadow of his former self and looked slow and unfit when featuring from the off.

His struggles have been well reported, but Emery could breathe some new life into the Brazilian by playing him in a new tactical role.

With the Spanish manager renowned for playing a 4-4-2 formation, Coutinho will not be playing in the central attacking position he occupied under Gerrard but instead either on the right side of a midfield four or as a split striker. A more central role could play in Coutinho’s hands as it would allow the attacker to pick up the ball regularly and dictate play directly from Villa’s midfield.

It would have the twin effect of ensuring he wouldn’t face up against full-backs who are stronger and quicker than him – which has become an alarming issue this season.

If people are unsure where Coutinho fits into Emery’s side, there is no such issue with Diego Carlos.

The centre-back is a custom-built Emery player. His aggressive, old-style defending will add the much-needed mean streak to Villa whilst also adding to their core leadership group.

That isn’t to say that Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa haven’t been playing well in recent weeks, but Carlos’ return will add competition, strength in depth, and flexibility to move into a five at the back if required.

Given the severity of his ruptured Achilles tendon, it is not expected that the defender will return to action until the new year at the earliest, but could still prove vital in Villa’s run in.

Although recently returning in Villa’s EFL Cup tie against Manchester United, Boubacar Kamara has yet to show even a glimmer of his full potential in Claret and Blue since his arrival from Marseille.

The 22-year-old picked up a knee ligament injury against Southampton in September and has consequently played a bits-and-pieces role this season.

His return to Premier League action left Villa fans purring, with the defensive midfielder striking up a solid partnership with Douglas Luiz at the base of Emery’s four-man midfield against Brighton. His composure and balance on the ball has been sorely missed this season, while his ability to shield the back four could also prove vital in fixtures against top-class opposition.

If Villa can keep the Frenchman fit and away from the clutches of top European sides, Kamara could well prove the beating heart of Aston Villa’s side for countless years to come.

In other news, Simon Jordan gives verdict on Unai Emery after Aston Villa win v Brighton.