‘Ian Maatsen could cost Aston Villa’, Unai Emery can’t count on him v Tottenham
Unai Emery will be hoping for a better defensive showing from his Aston Villa side against Tottenham on Sunday.
The Villans have been poor at the back in recent weeks, conceding eight in their last five games while winning just one game.
This hasn’t been helped by an injury to Tyrone Mings which has left Ezri Konsa as the only fit, senior centre-back available for selection.
As a result, Boubacar Kamara has started in that role for the last two games and it is safe to say that it didn’t work against Wolves.
As a result, a change needs to be made to get the best out of the Frenchman during his stint as a makeshift defender.
Ian Maatsen can’t start for Aston Villa v Tottenham
With the Frenchman at the heart of the back four, he needs as much cover as possible down the left-hand side.
As a result, it could make to feature Lucas Digne from the start ahead of Ian Maatsen who has been susceptible defensively at times this campaign.
The Netherlands international came on at half time against Wolves, but failed to contribute with a single defensive action while having three touches in the opposition penalty area [FotMob].
This was also the case in his prior Premier League appearance as he came off the bench against the Hammers.
In 52 minutes at Villa Park, the 22-year-old lost 10 duels in a 0 per cent ground duel success while being dribbled past three times.
If the ex-Borussia Dortmund man was to replicate this against Spurs, Kamara would be left exposed which would represent danger for Emery’s side in the FA Cup.
Boubacar Kamara could struggle for Aston Villa v Tottenham
As excellent as the 25-year-old is as a defensive midfielder, there is no doubt that his talents are somewhat wasted as a centre-back.
Given that it isn’t his usual position, there are certain moments which leave the backline exposed which allowed Jean-Ricner Bellegarde to open the scoring for Wolves last time out.
As a result, giving Kamara as much defensive help against the Lilywhites could prove to be a wise move from Emery.
With the Frenchman set to lineup against the likes of Mathys Tel, Dejan Kulusevski and Heung-Min Son, it is unlikely to be an easy evening at Villa Park.