100% Alex Moreno may be handed opportunity to save his Aston Villa career v Bournemouth
Alex Moreno may be given a chance to save his Aston Villa career if he plays in the Premier League clash with Bournemouth, off the back of a 100% display against Legia Warsaw.
Lucas Digne has been a stalwart in that position for Emery this season, and former Eurosport journalist Dean Jones suggested the form of the Frenchman may keep Moreno out of the team for the foreseeable future. [GiveMeSport, 18 November]
This led to suggestions that Moreno may be cast out at Villa Park, and could opt to leave in search of more game time, but after his performance against Legia Warsaw, he may be handed the opportunity to impress again at Bournemouth.
The left-back returned from injury in the Europa Conference League clash, making his first start of the season, and marked the occasion with a goal, going on to share the “incredible” feeling of returning to Villa Park after a long layoff. [Birmingham Live, 2 December]
The Spaniard has quickly proved any doubters wrong with his return to the side as Aston Villa beat Legia Warsaw 2-1 on 30 November, reminding his manager of the impact he can have on this team.
He completed 100% of his attempted dribbles, won 50% of his aerial duels and competed in seven duels in total, also making two clearances and drawing a foul to ease the ramping pressure on his team as they fought hard for the 2-1 European victory. [Sofascore]
The 79 minutes he played on his return from injury may have been enough to convince Unai Emery to hand him his first Premier League start against Bournemouth despite the form of Digne, as he attempts to make the left-back spot his own once again.
Digne will not give up the spot easily, after his performance in the 2-1 victory over Tottenham in which he recorded eight crosses, a 100% long-ball accuracy, made three tackles and two clearances in a hugely impressive display. [Sofascore]
It will be a selection headache for the boss with both defenders fighting hard for their place in the team, but with Moreno freshly back from injury, he will be pushing to make his presence known and avoid being forced out of Villa Park with a lack of game time.
In other Aston Villa news, Alan Hutton has shared a new behind-the-scenes detail.