Victor Lindelof surely knocking on Unai Emery’s door after what’s gone down at Aston Villa
Victor Lindelof was a key player under Unai Emery earlier in the season at Aston Villa.
The Sweden international moved to Villa Park in the summer as a pretty underwhelming free agent signing on deadline day.
Things have actually turned out well for the 31-year-old, who has made more appearances than many expected in the Midlands.
The irony is that the best spell of the campaign came with the ex-Manchester United man as part of a solid back four.
The return of Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings has limited Lindelof to a consistent spell on the bench, which could see questions be asked of Emery.
Unai Emery selections consistently wrong at Aston Villa
There have been plenty of issues on show recently in B6, and the back line is certainly one of those for the claret and blue outfit.
That was certainly on show against Chelsea in the latest Villa Park humiliation as Liam Rosenior’s side secured a 4-1 win.
Villa tried to play a high line, but it didn’t work, and the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro were able to exploit it with ease.
The Blues created five chances in the Midlands and racked up an expected goals tally of 3.60, while putting four past Emi Martinez.
They also took 15 shots on the day, won eight corners and just made Villa look amateurish on their own patch.
Ezri Konsa and Mings had nights to forget, something which will only leave Lindelof with more questions moving forward.
Victor Lindelof has been treated unfairly by Emery
There are no thrills about the Swede, but it is that which makes him such a useful option for the Villans.
His position in the backline provides experience at the top level, and he has helped to secure 11 wins in the 20 appearances he’s made for the Villans.
Sofascore has highlighted just how excellent he has been in claret and blue, with his 2.90 average clearances, 94.1 per cent passing accuracy and 55 per cent duel win rate being key.
That sort of output could prove to be very useful right now as Villa look for a calming presence to help them back onto the winning path in B6.
Lindelof should be knocking on Emery’s door and asking serious questions about his minutes and what more he could possibly do to feature more regularly.
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