Nicolo Zaniolo could be set for Aston Villa future as agent moots ‘wonderful experience’
Nicolo Zaniolo joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan from Galatasaray last summer, and it seems the Italian could extend his stay in England.
The 24-year-old’s performances at Villa Park have been greeted by mixed reactions throughout the campaign, while there is no general consensus over his future at Villa Park.
Zaniolo has still managed to accumulate 38 appearances under Unai Emery, however, notching three goals in all competitions, but has been plagued by injury in recent weeks.
Despite some of the criticism surrounding the wide midfielder, who is capable of playing further forward, it appears that Emery is a fan of him and could be keen to keep him at the club.
After the player’s agent’s recent comments, it certainly seems like Zaniolo has enjoyed his season in England, while an extended stay has been mooted.
Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb on Tuesday (7 May), his agent, Claudio Vigorelli, said: “Today we are only thinking about finishing the season well.
“The Premier League was a wonderful experience and it doesn’t mean that it can’t continue. Let’s focus on the end of the season and the European Championship that is just around the corner, then we’ll see.”
Would Nicolo Zaniolo be a welcomed addition at Aston Villa?
At the beginning of the season, the criticism was certainly justified as Zaniolo struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League, regularly being substituted off at half-time by Emery.
However, in his most recent performance, as Villa beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, the Italian was able to show exactly what he is capable of before suffering an injury.
Having played 80 minutes, Zaniolo was a nuisance down the left flank, entering 14 ground duels. Although he did lose the most duels (nine) during the match, he did win 100 per cent of his aerial duels. [FotMob]
Considering that, among wingers in Europe’s top five leagues, the 24-year-old ranks in the top 89 percentile for tackles, it comes as no surprise to see him so involved in challenges. [FBref]
And despite only registering three goals during his time with Villa, his attacking statistics are a lot more positive than some might believe, ranking in the top 90 percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area.
Also, boasting a top 70 percentile for total shots would suggest that Zaniolo must improve his goal contributions if he is to earn a move to Villa Park this summer.
The fact he has picked up seven yellow cards in the Premier League this season could be a worry, but that is part and parcel of his playing style and should be praised for his desire to work back and defend.
With top 87 and 96 percentile rankings for blocks and clearances, respectively, Zaniolo adds much-needed defensive cover, which allows the likes of Ollie Watkins, Moussa Diaby and Morgan Rogers to attack freely.
This is certainly one to watch.
In other Aston Villa news, Tim Iroegbunam has been tipped to snub a move to Ajax this summer after updates at Villa Park
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