Leander Dendoncker January exit plea as Aston Villa man hasn’t ‘got the minerals’
We’re delighted to welcome Aston Villa podcaster Ty Bracey as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
Ty Bracey would be happy to see Leander Dendoncker depart Aston Villa this January as he does not believe the midfielder is good enough for Unai Emery’s squad.
The Belgian looks to be another victim of the club’s success. Dendoncker struggled for playing time last season and with just two minutes of Premier League football played in 2023/24 it is safe to say the former Wolves man is not integral to the boss’ plans.
He faced fresh criticism for his poor performance in the League Cup, where the Villans suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to struggling Everton. Dendoncker is no longer in the Belgium national side, despite last making an appearance in June, suggesting that his stock has also fallen with the international set-up.
Bracey claims that the 28-year-old is surplus to requirements at Villa Park as Emery does not believe he is good enough to perform well in his system, but any departure would depend on further incomings.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bracey said: “I just don’t think he fits into Emery’s system well, I really don’t. There are a lot of yards covered in a Villa team, and I don’t think Dendoncker’s got the minerals to provide that.
“If a loan came in, I’d be happy for him to leave as long he was replaced. He doesn’t fit Emery’s system and I think Emery knows it as well.
“It’s just one of these where we need to rest players with our congested schedule, so he gets minutes, but if an offer was to come in January I’d be happy for him to go.”
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