Aston Villa: Unai Emery must drag Youri Tielemans off at half-time after 33% display v Lille
Unai Emery must look to strengthen his midfield by dragging Youri Tielemans off if Aston Villa want to win their Europa Conference League clash v Lille at Villa Park.
Despite their 1-0 half-time lead at home, Villa struggled to find any dominance in midfield areas, largely due to a sloppy performance from the Belgian who struggled again.
Villa’s lack of control was made clear as Lille created plenty of chances, and if not for a heroic first-half display from Emi Martinez, could already have surrendered their lead.
Youri Tielemans struggles in midfield with 33% Aston Villa display
Tielemans has improved his performances in recent weeks, but in a crucial European clash where he needs to show some intensity and drive, he simply did not demand enough of the ball. Lille were so dominant in midfield that the Belgian made just 12 passes. [Sofascore]
For a player who usually thrives in controlling a midfield with his ball-playing ability, just 21 touches, 12 passes, only a 33 per cent cross-completion rate, committing two fouls and giving the ball away four times in 45 minutes is simply not enough.
Tielemans also struggled to win his ground duels as he was successful with just two of five attempts despite a 100 per cent success rate in the air. He was also dribbled past once.
Douglas Luiz was equally ineffective in his play as Villa were dominated in midfield, with the Brazilian touching the ball just 15 times, completing 12 passes and failing to win a single aerial duel or complete a dribble with a zero per cent success rate in both.
Villa’s lack of control was further illustrated by their 37 per cent possession and despite having more shots than their opponents, the French side were able to bypass the midfield with relative ease.
Tielemans will benefit from the fact Tim Iroegbunam is the only real midfield alternative on the bench thanks to Villa’s ongoing injury crisis, but John McGinn remains an option to drop into the middle with a more forward-thinking attacker off the bench.
In other Aston Villa news, four players may have to leave Villa Park this summer.
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