Unai Emery must hook Youri Tielemans at HT in Aston Villa v Ajax, John McGinn missed
Though Unai Emery will be pleased with his team keeping a clean sheet in the first half against Ajax, Aston Villa will want to bring back a victory to Villa Park in their Europa Conference League tie.
Brian Brobbey has been causing all sorts of problems for the Villa defence, but with Emiliano Martinez in goal, the backline should not be Emery’s biggest worry.
The Villans have been somewhat ineffective in the attacking third of the pitch, with the service to Ollie Watkins severely limited due to the strength and dominance of the Ajax midfield.
Unai Emery must axe Youri Tielemans after difficult first half v Ajax
Tielemans has been noticeably quiet against the Dutch giants. And as Watkins’ main source of service from midfield, other than Moussa Diaby, it is clear to see that John McGinn is needed on the pitch.
Former Leicester City man Tielemans has only amassed a 63 per cent pass completion, helping Ajax to pick up any loose passes and push Villa back into their own half. [Sofascore]
It also seems that the 26-year-old is unsure of his required position, with Watkins left isolated when dropping into midfielder, and his teammates outnumbered in the middle of the park when he pushes forward.
His stats would suggest that Tielemans should not be in midfield, where McGinn usually thrives. With 0 per cent dribbling success, it has been very simple to pick the ball off him. [FotMob]
In addition to this, he has only won 40 per cent of his ground duels, adding to the suggestion that Tielemans is just not strong enough to battle against Jordan Henderson and Sivert Mannsverk, helped by Kenneth Taylor on the left flank.
With a foul also on his record, Tielemans could be at risk of adding another yellow card to Villa’s issues, after Ezri Konsa was handed an early controversial caution.
If Emery does not make the change at half time, the game could pass Tielemans by. He looks lost, and the hope is that his manager can see that too.
In other Aston Villa news, the defensive nightmare at Villa Park may have been resolved.
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