Anthony Onifade

Fri 8 December 2023 16:10, UK

Rarely-seen Alex Moreno may be gearing up for a first Premier League start of the season against Arsenal on Saturday after a poignant Lucas Digne issue emerged.

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].

The left-back returned from a considerable injury layoff in the Europa Conference League clash against Legia Warsaw (30 November), making his first start of the season.

The former Betis defender 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]

Moreno certainly reminded Emery of his piercing and decisive attacking qualities at left full back with an action-packed display.

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]

Such a performance will have surely left Emery pondering over a decision on when to start the very capable Spaniard again, but Digne’s displays in recent weeks make that incredibly difficult.

The Frenchman’s display against Tottenham (26 November) certainly pulled up some considerable trees, where he recorded eight crosses, a 100% long-ball accuracy, made three tackles and two clearances in a hugely impressive display. [Sofascore]

However, Digne’s last two displays have certainly left a lot to be desired and certainly reminded fans of why the rarely-seen Moreno may well be the best-attacking left-back at the club.

Against Bournemouth in the 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium (3 December), Digne certainly excelled with his defensive work, winning 75% of his ground duels, 75% of his aerial duels, registering one clearance and two tackles won [SofaScore] but his efforts in the final third were a far cry from what he’s produced in Moreno’s absence.

Digne failed to complete any of his six crosses and recorded an expected assists tally (xA) of 0.02 from his two key passes, it was a similar story against Manchester City on Wednesday (6 December) where he completed just 25% of his crosses, lost possession 14 times and registered just one key pass.

One of the reasons Moreno regularly usurped Digne ever since his move in January until his injury in May was because of his immeasurable qualities in the final third.

The Spaniard was terrific for the Villans last season, recording three assists from his 19 league appearances, topping his expected assists (xA) of 2.58, averaging 1.2 key passes, completing 46% of his dribbles and also averaging 1.2 tackles per game [SofaScore].

According to the Opta-powered stats at FBREF, over the last year, out of every full-back in the top five European leagues, Moreno is in the 96th percentile of players for progressive carries (3.87) and the top 20% of his counterparts for progressive passes received (6.16 per 90) and successful take-ons (1.24 per 90).

Moreno’s attacking qualities have been well documented, and in an Aston Villa side that alters their tactical framework to allow their full-backs to bomb forward, it has proven the perfect match.

Against an Arsenal side who rarely gives much away when defending, Emery will need his attacking outlet on the left to be at their most decisive especially if he opts to have Ezri Konsa as a reserved full-back once again.

Whether that be Digne or Moreno, they have a considerable task of offering width, balance and considerable variation to the Aston Villa attacking play against the Gunners if they are to continue their tremendous winning streak in front of their home fans.

It won’t be a surprise to see Moreno given the nod on Saturday evening (9 December) with Digne’s inconsistencies in attack laid bare once again over the past week.

In other Aston Villa, one forgotten player may be losing patience with Unai Emery as his bags could already be packed ahead of a January exit.