Unai Emery must continue Aston Villa Ian Maatsen Champions League experiment v Club Brugge
Unai Emery must continue to start Ian Maatsen over Lucas Digne for Aston Villa in the Champions League for the trip to face Club Brugge.
The Villans travel to Belgium on Wednesday 6 November as they look to maintain their 100 per cent record in Europe’s elite competition this season.
A win will be demanded by Emery, especially after his side fell to a frustrating 4-1 last time out against Tottenham.
With that in mind, the Spaniard must continue to hand Maatsen an opportunity in Europe ahead of Digne, who had a difficult time in North London on Sunday (3 November).
Unai Emery must continue Ian Maatsen experiment in Aston Villa v Club Brugge
The Netherlands international came in from the start against Bologna at Villa Park (22 October) and had a positive impact at left back.
This saw him help contribute to a clean sheet, winning three tackles with a 100 per cent success rate while also chipping in with two clearances, two interceptions and six recoveries [FotMob].
The 22-year-old also loves to get forward which saw him 72 touches, with four in the opposition’s box, complete two dribbles and 100 per cent of his crosses.
This adventurous nature provided a boost to Emery’s side which his counterpart failed to do against Tottenham.
Digne failed to complete a dribble in North London while only completing 38 per cent of his crosses.
The France international’s defensive work wasn’t much better as he didn’t win a tackle while also losing out in 80 per cent of his duel attempts.
As a result, Emery has a decision to make between his two left back’s but the Champions League appears to favour the style of the Dutchman who will be keen to make just his third start of the season in all competitions.
Digne has been excellent at times this campaign and a great servant to the club, but it could be time to integrate the 22-year-old into the side.
In other Aston Villa news, the stance of Emery has been revealed in the battle for the transfer of a South American talent.
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