Youri Tielemans return the answer to Aston Villa chaos as comeback comes into sight
Aston Villa are eagerly awaiting the return of midfielder Youri Tielemans.
The midfielder was ruled out for around three months in January, and Villa’s midfield issues have caused serious issues since.
Alongside injuries to Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn, Unai Emery’s side have lacked serious control in midfield, while Douglas Luiz looks far from the player once seen bossing the midfield at Villa Park.
Aston Villa face Manchester United and West Ham before the international break, alongside a two-legged tie against Lille in the Europa League.
But this break could signal a great chance to get Tielemans further back up to speed, and ready to step in for the Villans heading into the season’s crunch point.
Youri Tielemans is a crucial cog in Aston Villa machine
After an initial rough start following his move from Leicester in 2023, Tielemans has continued to progress when it comes to his importance at the club.
In the middle of the park under Emery, he operates as the sole controller of tempo – with an innate feel as to when the game needs to be slowed down, and when it requires speeding up.
With 73.09 touches per 90 minutes, an 84 per cent pass completion, 2.84 accurate long balls and 1.8 chances created, Tielemans is simply everywhere for Villa, while his 2.63 tackles and 6.03 duels won per 90 make him incredibly vital out of possession too.
With five assists alongside the aforementioned numbers, the Belgian is a huge creative force who has been sorely missed across recent weeks.
Villa have suffered losses against Wolves and Chelsea in their last two. Across both, for all their possession, there was little to no style or plan when it came to their build-up.
Amadou Onana for example, is a fantastic deeper lying player, but lacks the real creative instinct and innate feel for the speed of a game when compared with Tielemans.
Aston Villa need control if they want a Champions League spot
As of late, Villa’s matches have been chaotic, including the end-to-end encounter against Chelsea.
While the form of the team has dipped in general, Tielemans’ absence has played a huge part in the distinct lack of control in the middle of the park – resulting in Chelsea being able to score four at Villa Park, while Wolves were able to break with relative ease.
All this has done has loosen Villa’s grip on the Champions League.
While a return is not on the cards until after the international break, Tielemans’ eventual return to the fold will be crucial for Villa.
Bringing an end to the chaotic nature of the recent run, Emery’s side can hopefully begin to dominate matches as they once were, and take back control of the European race, alongside a late run in the Europa League.
For even more Aston Villa news and opinions, head over to Football Insider.