Leander Dendoncker clearly at a career crossroads at Aston Villa, exit strategy needs to be sorted out fast
Aston Villa midfielder Leander Dendoncker finds himself at a career crossroads at Villa Park, with the club clearly ready to sell and an exit strategy needs to be sorted out fairly quickly.
The 28-year-old only made the switch to Villa Park from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported £15m last September. However, after just 21 appearances since, the Belgian could be moving on again, especially after the signing of fellow Belgian Youri Tielemans (10 June).
Unai Emery now possesses a well-stocked and quality midfield weaponry with Tielemans, Emi Buendia, Douglas Luiz, John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara and Jacob Ramsey all available to him right now which damages his chances of starting games for Aston Villa in the coming season.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported on 4 July, that the Villans were willing to listen to offers for Dendoncker, despite being rated by manager Unai Emery. But, the competition within midfield at Villa Parks means more potential lack of opportunities next season.
French Foot Mercato reported on 6 July that Dendoncker is attracting interest from Premier League clubs and Serie A, while French Ligue 1 outfits Stade Rennais, OGC Nice and Lyon have also taken information on the player.
However, since then, no news of a move has emerged which means the Belgian certainly finds himself at a crossroads right now as to where his next destination will be, with Emery seemingly making his plans clear on where he fits in.
At 28 years old, the former Wolves has to be playing regularly as he enters the prime years of his career and unfortunately, that won’t be happening in the West Midlands next season which means it is best for all parties if he leaves.
Since signing from Wolves for a £13million fee on transfer deadline day, the 28-year-old has struggled for game time, amassing just 901 minutes of Premier League action across 24 appearances, and another Premier League may well offer him with the minutes he feels he deserves at this stage of his career.
There is no doubting the Belgian international’s defensive contributions, finishing the season in the 97th percentile for interceptions made by Premier League midfielders last season (1.88 per 90) as well as the top 10% of his counterparts for blocks (2.07 per 90) and passes blocked (1.68 per 90), such defensive numbers certainly makes him a highly-rated commodity in Emery’s thinking. [FBREF]
However, it’s his work on the ball that has somewhat led to his lack of usefulness in the Villa team and forced Emery to pay Tielemans the big wages to jump across the Midlands.
Dendoncker sits in the bottom 25% of Premier League midfielders for touches per game (48.70), a total which is significantly less than Tieleman’s average of 72.07, Luiz’s 65.12 and Kamara’s 57.99.
He also is in the worst 10% for miscontrols (0.99 per 90) and only managed an average of 33 successful passes per outing, which again is less than the aforementioned trio.
Emery desperately wants a change of approach at Villa Park, ushering in a new and improved era at Villa Park, wanting his side to become a more proactive and progressive team in which Dendoncker doesn’t possess the attributes to thrive in.
For a less possession-heavy side Dendoncker could absolutely fit well in, becoming one of the best defensive midfielders at what he does, but it’s clear Aston Villa are heading in a new progressive and controlling system under Emery’s management which leaves no room for the Belgian to contribute to.
With the former Wolves man entering the crucial stages of his footballing career, he must take his next move with careful consideration but it is evidently clear he has no place at Villa Park. Emery will be looking to possess the squad he wants in the coming weeks, and not have to deal with players who are destined to leave, but that even looks unclear right now.
The Premier League campaign is just days away and with no news of a planned move so far, Dendoncker’s immediate future at the top level is incredibly uncertain. It’s best for all parties if they part ways.
In other Aston Villa news, one Bodymoor Heath wonder has been handed the perfect platform to continue his development after news emerged.