Unai Emery played Matty Cash out of comfort zone in Aston Villa defeat v Olympiacos
Dan Bardell has praised Matty Cash for his recent performances but suggested he has fallen victim to injuries at Aston Villa after being forced to play right wing v Olympiacos on Thursday (9 May).
After being benched against Brighton, Cash replaced an injured Morgan Rogers to play further forward than his usual right-back role.
He showed some positive signs and was entrusted by Unai Emery to start there in the Conference League semi-final second leg.
He failed to make much impact as Villa lost 2-0 but Bardell has praised him and believes he represents the struggles the club are facing with injury this season.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “I actually think in recent weeks that Cash has been one of Villa’s better players. You can clearly see that the effort is there.
“He played a big part in the first goal against Olympiacos in the first leg. I think he’s trying his best.
“I don’t think he’s a right winger in the modern game, his best position for Villa is at right back. When he went back there I thought he was quite effective and looked dangerous.
“I think it shows the level the Villa squad’s at in terms of injuries and options that he’s forced to play there.
“You’re asking a player to play a role they aren’t comfortable with and when you’re chasing a game looking for a goal, having a right back at right midfield isn’t the answer.
“That’s nothing against Cash, he’s a good player.”
How did Matty Cash perform for Aston Villa v Olympiacos?
Emery at former clubs has typically opted for a defensive-minded right back to help form a back three in forward transition.
This saw him utilise Juan Foyth in that position at Villareal but this isn’t Cash’s game as he prefers to bomb forward like a typical modern full-back.
This has often seen Ezri Konsa take his place on the right of a back four but against Olympiacos, they started together.
The Poland international had his moments with 84 per cent pass accuracy, two successful dribbles and 83 per cent duel success [FotMob].
Given that he was starting higher up the field his defensive output wasn’t as important but still could have been improved.
He failed to make a tackle throughout but did make one clearance and an interception so there were positives to take.
Cash has certainly fallen victim to the endless number of injuries that Emery has to deal with right now. He has coped well with playing in a different role in some big games for the club.
In other Aston Villa news, Emery now backed to get rid of Clement Lenglet and sign a replacement on a free transfer, offer made.
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