Matty Cash proved why he’s integral to Aston Villa vs Leeds – here’s why
Aston Villa were frustrated against Leeds on Saturday, but it saw the welcome return of Matty Cash.
Unai Emery‘s side were unable to put their FA Cup frustrations against Newcastle behind them on Saturday, as Daniel Farke’s Leeds United held them to a 1-1 draw at Villa Park.
Leeds took the lead after 31 minutes through a superb free-kick from Anton Stach, before the Whites spend the majority of the game defending their lead, and they almost did so successfully.
However, Tammy Abraham popped up with two minutes to play to rescue a point for Aston Villa, which who knows, could be a precious one come the end of the season regarding the Champions League places.
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Matty Cash reaffirmed his importance to Villa vs Leeds
It was also a game that saw the return from injury for Cash, who had missed the games against Brighton and Newcastle with a knee problem.
However, as soon as the 28-year-old was passed fit, Emery threw him straight back into the starting XI against Leeds, and he showed exactly why he’s perhaps one of the more underrated right-backs around.
Cash has been superb for Villa this season, playing 25 times in the Premier League, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
But his performance against Leeds was right up there with his best, which perhaps got somewhat lost in amid the frustration at Villa’s inability to break down a stubborn Whites defence.
As per Sofascore, the Polish international wasn’t dribbled past once against Leeds, registered an 89 per cent passing accuracy and made 21 carries with the ball.
He also took just one unsuccessful touch from his 87 total touches of the ball, made one key pass and performed seven defensive contributions.
In short, he displayed his quality in both attack and defence throughout his 87 minutes on the pitch against Leeds, reminding everyone that he is one of the Premier League’s best right-backs.
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Villa were very wise to tie Cash down to new contract
At 28, Cash remains in the prime years of his career, and he should now continue to spend them at Villa Park.
That’s because Villa chiefs were incredibly pragmatic to sign him to a new long-term contract in October 2025, which will take him through until 2029.
Lamare Bogarde hasn’t shown the consistency levels yet to suggest he’s close to succeeding Cash as Villa’s starting right-back, but he is still 22, and so time is on his side.
Therefore, Emery can continue to call on Cash for the foreseeable future, whilst also continuing to develop Bogarde in the background so that he may be ready to take the baton whenever the time comes.
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