Bailey finished, Emery has new game-changer – Three things learned from Nashville draw
Aston Villa played out a 2-2 draw with American side Nashville on Saturday as the start of the Premier League season quickly approaches.
Unai Emery had another chance to see his new stars in action in the United States, with the start of the new campaign now mere weeks away.
The Villans took the lead when Ollie Watkins headed home from Lucas Digne’s first-half cross, before Donyell Malen’s second-half goal was cancelled out by a Nashville fightback.
After the four-goal draw, Villa News analyses three things that we have learned.
Watkins not fazed by transfer speculation
Watkins was up to his usual tricks against Nashville, as he showed that he isn’t fazed by speculation linking him with moves to Newcastle and Manchester United.
The goal was the England international’s third in pre-season so far after notching against Frankfurt and St Louis.
- Villa have put a £70million price tag on Watkins
- Watkins netted 16 goals last season, from an expected goals return of 15.5
- The striker surpassed Gabriel Agbonlahor as Villa’s all-time Premier League scorer at the end of last season, reaching 75 goals
Emery will prioritise keeping the striker, with new incomings expected to be limited.
Leon Bailey won’t cut it at Villa next season
Bailey struggled to make any impact against Nashville.
The winger was outclassed by his fellow forwards, with Malen, Watkins and Morgan Rogers all catching the eye.
His ineffective performance was summed up as he was replaced by Samuel Iling-Junior at the hour mark.
Bailey has been regularly linked with moves away throughout his time in the Midlands, and now might be the right time for Villa to recoup some cash and spend it elsewhere.
Donyell Malen could be game-changer for Villa
Donyell Malen grabbed two assists in the friendly against St Louis and grabbed a goal against Nashville as he continues his fine form in pre-season.
The Dutchman had a turbulent start to life at Villa Park last season, as he managed just three goals across 17 appearances.
Villa fans had hoped that Malen would make an instant impact in the Midlands, after signing for £27million, but he couldn’t do enough to ensure Villa got Champions League football.
Now, with a full pre-season in the tank, he could be like a new signing for Emery’s side next season.
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