What Unai Emery said about Adrien Rabiot in 2018 proves he’s perfect for Aston Villa
Aston Villa are hoping to take advantage of Adrien Rabiot’s cagey situation at Marseille as Unai Emery tries to strengthen his midfield.
Rabiot enjoyed a strong season in the French Ligue 1 last season, scoring nine and providing five assists as Marseille finished second.
However, Rabiot has now been transfer-listed after an altercation with Jonathan Rowe, following a 1-0 defeat to Stade Rennais.
Rabiot played under Emery during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain, and the Villa boss now has the perfect opportunity to renew his acquaintance with the 30-year-old.
Adrien Rabiot can slot into Aston Villa’s squad straight away
Rabiot isn’t the only former player that Emery is keen to bring to Villa Park, with Nicolas Jackson also on the shortlist.
Both players would offer plenty of benefits for the Villans, as they are able to slot straight into Aston Villa’s first team.
Given Boubacar Kamara’s injury sustained in the defeat to Brentford, Rabiot would be crucial cover in midfield.
Speaking during their time together at PSG in 2018, Emery said, “Let’s talk about Rabiot. He’s a central midfielder who is more comfortable playing as a defensive midfielder rather than a creative one.
“Even if he remains more of a box-to-box, rather than a defensive midfielder. When you want to play with a defensive, creative, and box-to-box midfielder in fixed positions, Rabiot finds himself confronted to a problem.
Adrien Rabiot’s stats during two seasons with Emery:
- 2016/17: 39 appearances, four goals, two assists, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophée des Champions (French Super Cup)
- 2017/18: 50 appearances, five goals, four assists, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophée des Champions
“He has to run, run, run, and not play in a fixed position statically. And even less so with his back turned on the action.
“Rabiot doesn’t really like playing as a defensive midfielder; he likes playing as a box-to-box, but I prefer him as a defensive midfielder. That’s why, after the elimination against Real Madrid [in the 2017/18 Champions League], I told him he would play as a defensive midfielder.
“In that position, he can be faced with play and switch around with [Marco] Verratti. He is more competitive in these conditions. With certain players, you can’t impose a strict idea. You have to adapt yourself to their characteristics to win in individual and collective competitiveness.”
Adrien Rabiot will solve one key issue in midfield
Having sold Jacob Ramsey, Villa now lack any sort of box-to-box midfielder, and Rabiot would alleviate that issue.
Aston Villa currently lack someone who possesses high energy levels in the middle of the park, who can also offer a goal threat going forward.
| Adrien Rabiot | Player | Jacob Ramsey |
| 0.14 | Expected assists | 0.34 |
| 50.3 | Passes | 35.7 |
| 2.5 | Shot creating actions | 3.6 |
Rabiot would add more patience and precision in midfield, which is something that is clearly needed after Aston Villa’s disappointing showing against Brentford.
The Villans completed 587 passes against the Bees, but only 143 of them were played forward, as they continued to try and force the issue without any luck.
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