View: Alex Moreno position details Unai Emery’s left-sided preference at Aston Villa
Alex Moreno came through the door as Unai Emery’s first signing after his arrival at Aston Villa, with the left back earmarked as an important cog in the Spaniad’s system.
The 51-year-old has a meticulous way of playing and is known for setting his team up with one side more focused on defending as opposed to attacking.
For example, Pervis Estupiñán was Emery’s go-to left-back for Villarreal, and it was clear he was given the license to get forward and join in with attacks when given the opportunity.
As the heat map above shows, the 25-year-old’s average position is actually in the opposition’s half. He hasn’t relinquished all defence responsibilities, but there’s clearly an instruction to get forward when required.
Juan Foyth was Emery’s first choice right back at Villarreal and his average position was significantly different to what Estupiñán’s was. He spent the majority of his time in his own half and even looked to shuffle across into a more central position when required. Foyth has previously played in a central defensive role, which also suits the way the Spaniard likes to keep his right back in a disciplined position.
So how exactly has this played out at Aston Villa since Moreno’s arrival? Let’s first take a look at the left-back’s heat map.
Evidently, the Spaniard is spending a lot of time in the opposition half, which is what Emery wants. As per Wyscout, the Spaniard has also produced some good attacking numbers since his arrival. He has managed six crosses in the two matches he’s played, with a success rate of 50 per cent. Furthermore, he’s also been eager to dribble (over three completed per 90 minutes) and make progressive runs forward.
When comparing him to Estupinan in the 2021/22 campaign, these are exactly the type of numbers the former Arsenal boss is after. The 25-year-old averaged a similar number of crosses and runs forward per 90 minutes, however, he only managed one goal and three assists throughout the campaign.
As the season progresses, Emery will be expecting slightly more from the former Real Betis left-back. It’s no surprise to see Ashley Young take up a more conservative ‘Foyth-like’ role to allow Moreno to get forward.
Against the Saints, the former Inter Milan full-back was clearly more reserved than Moreno and also shifted around into a more central role when required. It’s clearly working for Villa at the moment due to the positive run of form but has the current structure impacted Villa’s attacking players?
Interestingly, the left-side attacking dominance continues in Villa’s midfield. Below is Jacob Ramsey’s positioning in the win over Southampton.
Ramsey started on the right flank and spent the majority of his time in his own half, almost in a right-sided defensive midfield role. This was a stark contrast to Emi Buendia on the left wing.
The Argentine didn’t look to drop into midfield too much and spent the majority of his time on the touchline in both halves of the pitch. It is certainly an interesting ploy which is being used by Emery, and it will be interesting to see how he develops it during his time at Villa Park.
A winger is desperately required in the summer and potentially a high-quality left-sided wide man could thrive due to Emery’s tactical preference.
In other Aston Villa news, Carla Ward must find a contingency plan in case Rachel Daly gets injured for her side this season.