Aston Villa find new Ezri Konsa after what happened v Athletic Bilbao
Lamare Bogarde could be an alternative option to Ezri Konsa for Aston Villa next season after a top performance against Athletic Bilbao.
The Villans secured a 3-2 friendly win against the La Liga side in their final preseason clash on home soil on Wednesday night (7 August).
Goals from Jacob Ramsey, Jaden Philogene and Cameron Archer were the difference for Unai Emery’s side to secure just a second win in five.
One surprising performance came from Bogarde who caught the eye as a right centre-back with Ezri Konsa absent.
Lamare Bogarde passing on show for Aston Villa v Athletic Club
After being linked with a move to Nottingham Forest and various loan moves away earlier in the window, the Dutchman looks set to play a role next season.
In his time with Bristol Rovers, the 20-year-old featured in midfield but under Emery looks to be a perfect fit at centre-back.
Against Athletic Club, his performance saw him compared to England international Konsa by supporters who have been left wanting more.
This excitement came as Bogarde consistently picked up the ball in the back line and looked for forward passes, both simple and longer-range pickouts.
The latter was shown when he picked up the ball, drove with the ball past the halfway line and looked in behind.
The versatile youngster delivered the pass with great accuracy and was able to pick out Leon Bailey on the run, turning the Bilbao defence with ease.
This eventually led to a great chance for Morgan Rogers who was unable to add to his preseason tally from close range.
Lamare Bogarde defensively sound v Athletic Club
Passing isn’t the only thing that Bogarde has to offer after showing his defensive prowess with the ball on the floor and in the air in an all-action performance.
The former Dutch youth international was able to reduce the Spanish side to limited chances with an excellent slide tackle shown in the image above.
He did this throughout the preseason clash which was impressive, especially during the periods when the away side was on top.
Although Athletic Club weren’t the most physically dominant, Bogarde was still able to win his headers and get the ball away to safety when needed.
It is unclear whether or not the Dutchman will remain at Villa Park for the rest of the season but this showing has certainly caught fans’ attention.
With Diego Carlos being linked away, the 20-year-old could prove to be a useful deputy for Konsa next season.
In other Aston Villa news, Amadou Onana’s role at Villa Park has been mooted following his big-money move from Everton
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