Aston Villa January transfer of Alex Moreno could be bargain of the season – Ty Bracey
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Ty Bracey believes the £13.3million Aston Villa spent on Alex Moreno in the January transfer window could be one of the bargains of the season.
The Villans snapped up the Spanish left-back from Real Betis as the first of Unai Emery’s two signings in the winter window, with Jhon Duran following Moreno through the Villa Park gates shortly afterwards.
Despite only featuring 12 times for Villa since arriving at the club, the 29-year-old has quickly established himself as the first choice for Emery at left-back ahead of Lucas Digne.
The Spaniard’s offensive qualities have been notably impressive, picking up assists in the 1-1 draw against West Ham and the six-goal defeat to Arsenal at Villa Park.
Since January, Moreno has also amassed a team-high 18 dribbles while delivering two or more key passes in 50% of his games in a Villa shirt. [WhoScored]
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Aston Villa influencer Bracey admitted that Moreno fits into Emery’s 4-4-2 system like a glove and that he should be considered one of the bargains of the season.
“Moreno has come in and he’s proven himself straight away,” he said.
“He’s starting ahead of Lucas Digne, who is one of our highest-paid players, and kept that position in Emery’s starting XI, which is very impressive.
“Emery brought in Moreno, and it was a bit of a shock that he signed him in January to be honest, especially as Lucas Digne is still pretty fresh at Villa.
“But he’s definitely up there for the bargain of the season.
“I don’t think Digne’s attacking game is bad, but I think Moreno fits Emery’s system better and is exactly the type of player that Unai wanted on paper, and he got him for an absolute bargain.
“So it’s been a great start and he’s certainly found his feet at Villa.”
Over the last year, Moreno sits in the 94th percentile of full-backs for progressive carries per 90 minutes while also sitting in the top 20% for successful take-ons, touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received. [Fbref]
The Spaniard has been a figurehead of Emery’s remarkable turnaround at Villa Park, and at just £13.3million, he looks an absolute steal.
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