View: Unai Emery must shift deadwood in Aston Villa squad during January window to fund incomings
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery must take stock of his squad in the coming weeks and decide who will be surplus to requirements so he can re-invest sufficiently in the January transfer window.
The Spanish manager has had a fruitful start to life in the west midlands following his move from Villarreal, picking up consecutive wins in the league against Manchester United and Aston Villa and sitting on the cusp of the top ten during the World Cup break.
But although he has received a positive initial reaction from his players, there are still elements of his game plan that several players simply cannot perform.
With Emery wanting to dip into the January transfer market to bolster his squad, it is time to face harsh realities and part ways with some of the driftwood in Villa’s squad.
First on the list is Marvelous Nakamba, who has seen himself knocked down the midfield pecking order over the past year and been usurped by summer signings Leander Dendoncker, Boubacar Kamara as well as Douglas Luiz.
The Zimbabwean, who was named Villa’s player of the month for November last year, has failed to make the same impact this season having not featured in the league whatsoever so far.
The 28-year-old featured for Emery in the middle of the park in Villa’s inaugural Peter Whittingham Memorial Match against Cardiff City but looked rusty and struggled to impact the game when on the ball.
Although a strong defensive presence, the midfielder doesn’t offer enough when in possession and often gets caught out while dawdling on the ball.
Frederick Guilbert is a near-certainty to leave Villa Park in January after a frustrating stint in the west midlands, which has seen his surplus to requirements for three years now.
The Frenchman has been training with the Under-21s this season and has just made three appearances for the first team. A move back to France seems most likely after prior loan spells at Caen and Strasbourg while at the club.
Although never lacking effort and quickly becoming a favourite with fans, it seems as though Villa will wait for the right offer to come in before parting ways with the right-back.
The most contentious issue within Villa’s undoubtedly talented squad has to be the role of Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazilian was signed by Emery’s predecessor Steven Gerrard as the answer to his team’s lack of creativity but has failed to impress this season following a run of 12 appearances without a goal or assist.
Under a manager who is renowned for high-energy and disciplined tactics, the ex-Liverpool star could see himself falling behind Emi Buendia if he is not careful.
Although Coutinho is currently sidelined with a serious thigh injury, he will be looking to make himself available for Villa’s Boxing Day clash against Liverpool.
You get the feeling the festive period is the last chance saloon for Coutinho in a Claret and Blue shirt. If he can impress Emery, he could remain till the summer.
But if he continues to make a limited impact on games, it could be time to cut the Brazilian loose and re-invest in different areas of the squad.
In other Aston Villa news, Alisha Lehmann comments portray a side who are brimming with confidence in the WSL.