Emery must hook Philogene at half-time of Aston Villa v Bayern Munich, Hitzlsperger wasn’t impressed
Unai Emery should consider taking off Jaden Philogene for Aston Villa against Bayern Munich at half-time of their Champions League clash.
The winger has been accused by club hero Thomas Hitzlsperger of “not wanting to defend” during the first 45 minutes at Villa Park as he was a surprise inclusion by Emery in his first European appearance following a minor injury.
Leon Bailey had to settle for a place on the bench, but replaced Jacob Ramsey after 27 minutes in an enforced change.
Hitzlsperger said live on BBC Sport [2 October]: “Jaden Philogene is being asked to defend, but he doesn’t really want to, so he has not really been involved.”
Aston Villa have to withdraw Jaden Philogene
Philogene is a player of superb talent, having almost single-handedly assisted Hull City’s charge towards just missing out on the Championship play-offs last season and had a great pre-season after arriving in Emery’s squad.
The youngster has, however, struggled to get a foothold against Bayern so far and could not really get involved in the game defensively as the visitors enjoyed most of the first-half possession.
Alongside winning 0% of his aerial duels, Philogene also won just 50% of his four tackle attempts [Fotmob] – he as well as the likes of Bailey are far more of a threat when Villa carry most of the ball, which is often the case in the Premier League.
It has not been a poor performance from the wide man by any means, but it just does not so far appear his type of game, and Ross Barkley or Ian Maatsen could be a better alternative.
Last season – albeit in the Championship with his match-winning performances – illustrated exactly what Philogene is best at, and that is creating shots when his team have possession, taking more attempts at goal than 98% of other attacking midfielders and wingers in 2023-24.
His defensive activity was also rife with more ball recoveries than 96% of other Championship players in his position [Fotmob], but this certainly was not against the calibre and firepower of Bayern Munich – starting this one may have come just a tad too soon with the options on the bench.
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