credit: Imago

Paul Merson slams Youri Tielemans after what Aston Villa star did in first half v Bologna

Tue 22 October 2024 20:44, UK

Unai Emery may have to axe Youri Tielemans at half-time if Aston Villa are to build on their early dominance against Bologna.

With Villa welcoming another Champions League side to Villa Park on Tuesday 22 October, the Villans have a perfect opportunity to maintain their spot near the top of the table.

However, to do that, Emery might need to deploy someone slightly more creative in the centre of midfield, with Tielemans unable to make the most of Villa’s set-piece situations so far.

Speaking live via Sky Sports News on Tuesday (22 October, 8:13pm), Merson said: “They’ve got another one [corner] with Tielemans. The ball’s going to come into the near post, cleared. Poor corner.”

Unai Emery to hook Youri Tielemans in Aston Villa v Bologna?

This trend continued throughout the first half, with the Belgian opting to try a fancy free-kick routine rather than fire a dangerous cross into the middle, which was eventually snuffed out by Bologna.

While Tielemans is standing strong with his defensive abilities, winning 67 per cent of his ground duels and 100 per cent of his aerial duels [FotMob], his creative spark seems to be somewhat absent.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery — Credit: Imago

With only a 20 per cent accuracy (1/5) when it comes to delivering crosses against the Italian outfit, Villa have failed to take advantage of their 65 per cent possession [FotMob], including four corners too.