Aston Villa: Unai Emery gets it wrong as Diego Carlos axed from starting XI v Lille
Aston Villa have announced their official starting XI for the Europa Conference League clash against Lille as Unai Emery made the controversial call to drop Diego Carlos.
The decision comes amid two changes as Matty Cash and Douglas Luiz replace Carlos and Morgan Rogers from the team that won 2-0 against Arsenal at the Emirates.
Carlos’ performance in the Premier League clash was described as “magnificent” by BBC pundit Danny Gabbidon, who gushed over the display as Villa kept an excellent clean sheet.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live [14 April, 6:23pm], Gabbidon said: “Diego Carlos has been magnificent for Aston Villa – a brilliant defensive display. He has been in the right place at the right time, so often. It’s outrageous, it really is. He was outstanding marshalling that back-line.”
Unai Emery gets it wrong in Aston Villa confirmed XI v Lille
Ahead of a crucial Europa Conference League clash in which Villa must avoid defeat to secure their passage into the next round and closer to European silverware, the decision to drop one of the most in-form players comes as a shock.
Carlos was outstanding against Arsenal as he recorded a 92 per cent passing accuracy, recording 66 touches and attempting four long passes as Emery’s side managed to retain 48 per cent of the possession against the title challengers. [Sofascore]
On top of that, the Brazilian made two tackles, one block, one interception and one last-man tackle as his exceptional defensive display played a crucial role in keeping a clean sheet against the odds away from home.
With a 50 per cent ground duel success rate also playing a key part in his game, the tactical decision to move Ezri Konsa into centre-back while Cash returns at right-back has come as a shock and Emery must hope his decision pays off.
Given the importance of this game for Villa and the priority being not to lose, a change to the solid defensive structure which kept a clean sheet against free-scoring Arsenal last time out is a bold and dangerous move.
In other Aston Villa news, Youri Tielemans has been compared to Kevin de Bruyne.
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