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50% Alex Moreno could be forced to quit Aston Villa after Lucas Digne performances
Alex Moreno could be forced to quit Aston Villa in January after the performances of Lucas Digne have kept him out of Unai Emery’s side.
Former Eurosport journalist Dean Jones claimed via GIVEMESPORT [18 November] that Digne’s form has been a blow to Moreno, with his underrated performances providing exactly what Emery wants.
Moreno is yet to make an appearance for Aston Villa this season, partly due to injury, but the form of his competition has kept him at arm’s length ahead of his return.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I don’t have much hope for Moreno getting in this team anytime soon. If you look at Digne’s form this season, he’s been consistent and impressive.
“He’s done exactly what Emery wanted from him. That’s a blow to Moreno, but he’s just got to wait for his opportunity and hope that, at some point, a suspension or injury means that he does get an opportunity in this team again and that he can make the most of that chance when it comes.”
Digne has been a key part of Emery’s tactical setup this season, creating plenty of opportunities from left-back where he often provides the width. Eight key passes in his last three league games, as well as 18 crosses attempted, show how effective he is on the left-hand side. [Sofascore]
Even in the defeat against Nottingham Forest, Digne’s performance stood out. His side were beaten 2-0, but the left-back won ten of his attempted 16 duels, made four key passes, three tackles, an interception and a clearance as he proved his influence at both ends of the pitch.
Moreno, meanwhile, is yet to make an appearance so far this season, but his last three performances when starting the game for Aston Villa pale in comparison to Digne’s.
He played just two key passes in those three games, as well as nine crosses, with his attacking stats falling shy of the effect his teammate has when in the side, while a duel success rate of 50% against Manchester United was the highest of the three performances. [Sofascore]
Defensively, he made three clearances, three tackles, and two interceptions in the win against Tottenham, showing his prowess at the back, but that isn’t necessarily what Emery wants from his full-back in the current system where creativity is key.
If he continues to struggle for game time with Digne keeping him out of the side, Moreno could be forced to quit Villa Park in search of more game time.
In other Aston Villa news, one Villa star has been mooted for an international call upon his return from injury.