Matty Cash flops with 4/10 display, John McGinn shines with 9/10 – Aston Villa player ratings v AZ Alkmaar
Aston Villa delivered a Europa Conference League away-day masterclass as they thumped high-flying Dutch club AZ Alkmaar 4-1 at the AFAS stadium on Thursday (26 October).
Goals from Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Ollie Watkins made it another perfect night for Emery and his men as they stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to five games.
Alkmaar spurned several good opportunities before the break, including a guilt-edged chance for top scorer Vangelis Pavlidis when he was clear through on goal in the first half.
Villa sit top of Group E after three games in the competition, but Zrinjski Mostar and Legia Warsaw, who meet later, both sit just three points behind.
Here, Villa News rates the Villa players out of 10 for their performances from the AZ Alkmaar clash:
Emiliano Martinez – 6
Made a crucial save when the scores were at 2-0 from Vangelis Pavlidis and his experience was crucial when the Villans were under the cosh at times during the second-half. Again proved why Emery can rely on him for the big games and if Aston Villa are to get far in this tournament, that will be dependent on what form Martinez is in.
Matty Cash – 4
Contributed tellingly to the Aston Villa attack throughout the game but was actually handed the worst average score of any Villa player [via SofaScore] at a dreadful 6.1/10 and his underlying stats prove why, winning just three of his eight duels at a worrying success rate of 38%, lost possession 11 times and completed just one dribble given he’s expected to provide Villa with the width on the right.
Diego Carlos – 6
Was a surprise starter at the expense of the likes of Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres but the former Sevilla man was at his resilient best, largely comfortable and rarely troubled by the AZ attack. Won two of his duels, dribbled past zero times and recorded three clearances.
Clement Lenglet – 6
Like Carlos, Lenglet was indeed a surprise starter for the Villans but certainly put in a much better performance than the one he showed in the first-day defeat to Legia Warsaw.
Lucas Digne – 7
Digne was rarely seen in attack for Aston Villa as the likes of Leon Bailey and John McGinn ran the show in attack but he contributed heavily in defence, winning five of his ground duels, recording two clearances and was dribbled past zero times in a comfortable defensive showing by the Frenchman.
Boubacar Kamara – 6
Was guilty of some slack and needless play deep inside his own half, dispossessed by the AZ midfield only for in-form Vangelis Pavlidis to place his shot high and wide after being put through one-on-one against Martinez. Grew into the game from then on, winning six of his duels and 100% of his aerial duels.
Douglas Luiz – 6
Was largely comfortable in midfield before being taken off midway through the second half, winning five of his ground duels and successfully completing 89% of his passes. Definitely needs a rest and Emery was right to bring him off when he did.
Youri Tielemas – 8
There had been much debate and opinions regarding his immediate future at Villa Park after his limited opportunities and apparent falling out with Emery but the Belgian put those doubts over his abilities to bed with a superb masterclass in midfield.
John McGinn – 9
You’d be hard-pressed to find a player who performs with such aggression, effectiveness and quality without looking like the most elegant player on the pitch than McGinn. What he offers Emery off-the-ball is simply immaculate but his pass for Tielemans’ goal was Lionel Messi-esque. Took his goal brilliantly also in a complete performance from the Scottish international.
Leon Bailey – 8
Bagged his sixth goal of the campaign with a superb volley to Villa 1-0 up on the night, but more crucially the Jamaican looked incredibly sharp and lightning at times in the first half as the Villans easily pulled clear of their opponents.
It was also his wonderful skill and shot which led to Watkins scoring the fourth in a tremendous and complete display from Bailey who laid on one big chance, one key pass and one assist to go with his stunning effort to put them in front.
Ollie Watkins – 7
Continued his stunning form in front of goal and again proved a rampant and electric outlet when Aston Villa tried to counter with speed. Emery has completely transformed Watkins’ game over the past year making him one of the most well-rounded forwards in Europe, let alone the Premier League. Ran his socks off once again.
Substitutes
Nicolo Zaniolo (on for Luiz 69′) – N/A
Moussa Diaby (on for McGinn 80′) – N/A
Bertrand Traore (on for Watkins 85′) – N/A
Leander Dendoncker (on for Kamara 86′) – N/A
In other Aston Villa news, the ball is in Youri Tielemans’ court over his future at the club.