Ezri Konsa set for increased responsibility after Unai Emery comments, Aston Villa ace can handle it
Aston Villa will be keen to continue their very impressive Premier League campaign when they meet Everton. The Midlands outfit travel to Goodison Park on Sunday (14 January) to take on Sean Dyche’s Toffees.
And one player who looks certain to continue his fine campaign is defender Ezri Konsa, with the versatile ace enjoying a superb season so far.
The 26-year-old has been one of the most important players for Unai Emery, with Konsa having already played a massive 29 matches in all competitions this season.
He has impressed in various areas, but has perhaps excelled in one in particular, with the defender boasting the best duel success rate (78.1%) in Europe’s top five leagues this season (100+ contested), as per WhoScored (10 January).
Last time out in the FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough last Saturday (6 January), he was key once again as the visitors progressed to the fourth round with a 1-0 win.
Playing the entire 90 minutes, Konsa won three of his four ground duels, completed 96% of his passes and made two tackles on his way to a clean sheet [Sofascore].
He also made five clearances, more than any other Aston Villa player, and even hit the woodwork. Konsa now looks set for even more responsibility at Villa Park following Emery’s transfer comments on Friday (12 January).
As quoted by Sky Sports, Emery said: “Calum Chambers and Bertrand Traore can leave, and in that case we can think about adding some players, but not at the moment. I want to support the players we have now.”
Chambers has played at both centre-back and right-back during his time at the club, exactly the same as Konsa, with the latter expected to lose his deputy this month.
His likely exit, coupled with Emery’s plans to support the current group, strongly suggests that Konsa will not be getting a break anytime soon.
Upcoming opponents Everton will be keen to climb back up the table, but their struggles in front of goal should put Konsa at ease.
As per the official Premier League website, only Sheffield United (15), Burnley (20), Manchester United and Crystal Palace (both 22) have scored fewer goals than Everton (24) this season.
In other Aston Villa news, Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Villa and Leonardo Spinazzola, with a Roma exit now expected.