Clement Lenglet proves Premier League quality with recent displays, deserves higher squad status
Clement Lenglet’s recent exerts in the Premier League have proven his ability at the top level but it may be too late for the defender at Aston Villa.
The Frenchman may be heading back to Barcelona in January, however, ending a season-long loan early. Talks are expected to start between the Catalans and Villa before the transfer window opens, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Lenglet has made just two appearances in the Premier League so far this season, with his five other appearances coming in the Europa Conference League. Frustrations seem to be growing for the centre-back.
It is a strange situation at Villa Park. The 28-year-old’s last two appearances have come in the top flight of English football, deputising in the 1-1 draw with Sheffield United and the 3-2 loss to Manchester United.
As per FotMob, he was awarded a 7/10 rating in both matches and grabbed his first assist in Villa colours as Leander Dendoncker opened the scoring against the Red Devils on Tuesday.
Lenglet’s stats speak for themselves. Against the Blades, he made the most passes out of anyone on the pitch, maintaining a 91 per cent pass completion rate, while winning 60 per cent of his ground duels entered.
Defensively, he was strong against Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund, completing a 100 per cent tackling rate, making eight passes into the final third and winning 63 per cent of his duels.
But with Unai Emery preferring the likes of Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa and Diego Carlos, the player is clearly unhappy with his lack of minutes on the pitch and a move back to Barcelona seems imminent.
However, the manager has voiced his pleasure about Clement’s impact since arriving at Villa Park in August.
“I want to keep Lenglet at Villa in the second part of the season,” he said, as per Romano on Twitter.
“We need players for the challenges we are going to face this season”.
With 160 appearances for Barcelona since 2018, Lenglet has vast experience in La Liga, Champions League and Europa League. Villa could rue their decisions if the defender is to leave the club in January.
But it is understandable that the 28-year-old is frustrated with the situation and will feel he deserves more from Emery.
In other Aston Villa news, a star player has justified his British record price tag already this season.