Dan Bardell: ‘No rush’ for Alex Moreno return but could stop Aston Villa ‘downfall’
We’re delighted to welcome Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
Alex Moreno will not be rushed back into the Aston Villa starting lineup but his return could prevent the club’s “downfall”, according to Dan Bardell.
As reported by Birmingham Live (16 October), the Spaniard could be in contention to play in Villa’s first post-international break clash against West Ham, ending his three-week spell on the sidelines following a hamstring injury.
Lucas Digne has thrived in his absence. Despite summer exit links, the Frenchman has proved a prolific asset for Unai Emery, providing one goal and five assists in all competitions. Moreno could face a challenge breaking back into the first team despite his excellence at the end of last season.
Bardell has hailed Moreno’s return and claims it will give Aston Villa the needed squad depth and the chance to rest Digne which could prevent a drop in form.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “I think the club will take it easy with Moreno and be cautious. Because Lucas Digne, who I’ve criticised at times, has been in decent form, I don’t think they’ll think that there’s a massive rush to get him in.
“In fairness to Digne, he has been a big part of a team that’s winning games at the moment. But if you look at how certain players’ minutes have been managed in Europe, the cups and the league -players are being given a rest and they haven’t really been able to do that with Digne.
“He’s been forced to play, so for the next European game, you may think Moreno will play that one and give Digne a little bit of a rest.
“Moreno was such a huge part of what Villa did last season. It was a transformative side, and he played as much of a part as anyone in getting Villa back into Europe. To have another option would be brilliant. That could end up being Villa’s downfall at the moment.
“It’s going really, really well and I’m proud of how they’ve adapted to setbacks. But the only thing that could be the downfall is a couple of injuries, so getting anyone back is a real positive.”
In other Aston Villa news, a broadcaster has claimed that Villa are “quickly realising” some unforseen new struggles.