Ross Barkley can win Aston Villa fans over by replicating what he did at Villa Park last season
Ross Barkley’s most recent performance at Villa Park for Luton Town will encourage Aston Villa fans after he re-signed for the club this summer.
Villa confirmed on 1 July that the 30-year-old had signed a three-year deal for £5million (Birmingham Mail, 8 July) after Luton’s relegation from the Premier League, returning to the club after a loan spell in the 2020/21 season.
Barkley was arguably the Hatters’ best player in their 3-1 loss to Unai Emery’s side at Villa Park in October 2023, giving his new fanbase an insight into what they can expect from the midfielder ahead of a reunion.
Despite Barkley’s efforts from the middle of the park, Luton were unable to survive their first Premier League season and officially went down on the final day, allowing Villa to swoop in and sign him on a cut-price fee [Bryan King, 3 July].
Ross Barkley performance for Luton is encouraging Aston Villa sign
A standout player on the losing side, Barkley’s 7.1 SofaScore rating was by far the highest of any starting Luton player in their October loss at Villa Park, with only substitute Andros Townsend scoring higher.
Playing centrally in a 3-4-2-1 formation for the Hatters, Barkley registered 0.24 xG from his two attempts, totalling half of Luton’s overall xG of 0.48, and complete two of his three dribbling attempts too.
Furthermore, Barkley’s passing was efficient and effective, slotting one key pass, two long balls from five attempts, and completing an overall pass completion of 85 per cent.
Two further attempted shots were blocked as the former Everton and Chelsea man drove Luton forward, winning a free-kick in the process for his side in their ultimately losing effort.
However, it’s defensively where the 30-year-old was arguably the most busy, putting in one clearance, block and interception apiece, as well as successfully attempting two tackles to keep Villa at bay.
His previous loan spell at Villa Park saw Barkley manage three goals in 24 appearances as an out-and-out attacking midfielder, but having reinvented himself as an all-action midfielder at Kenilworth Road, Unai Emery will be able use Barkley in a variety of positions as he bulks out his squad for the new season.
And he will be hoping Barkley can put in the sort of display he did at Villa Park on a consistent basis next term.
In other Aston Villa news, reunion with Jaden Philogene has been dismissed after a new transfer development.
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