Villa News Speaking to Dan Bardell

Wed 19 July 2023 20:10, UK

We’re delighted to welcome Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…

Centre-back Diego Carlos must prove his fitness in pre-season if he wants to have an impact on the Aston Villa first team next season, according to Dan Bardell.

The 30-year-old joined for £26million [BBC Sport] but after a shock Achilles injury in his Villa Park debut in August, he was sidelined and has since made just three appearances in claret and blue.

Since, Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa have cemented themselves as Villa’s starting centre-back partnership, while the signing of the highly-rated Pau Torres makes Carlos’ return to the side even more challenging.

However, Bardell was convinced by his pre-season outing against Walsall on Saturday (15 July) while his presence in the squad could facilitate strong competition in the Villa defence. Still, the Brazilian must prove his fitness to Unai Emery if he hopes to earn decent minutes next season.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “Diego Carlos will need to prove his fitness. He played 60 minutes against Walsall which was brilliant to see because Villa fans haven’t really seen enough of him as he’s only played one full game since he’s been at the club.

“It’s good for him to start getting minutes under his belt and getting used to things.

“It’s a horrible injury to come back from but Villa aren’t in a position where they need to rush him back into the team straight away, they can ease him in slowly at the start of the season.

“Competition for places is really good, whereas this time last year, those areas maybe were picking themselves. Now it seems so so strong.“

In other Aston Villa news, a pundit has shared his desire for a “box ticking” winger who has been linked with a £50million move to Villa Park.