Credit: Imago

Samuel Fabre

Thu 12 March 2026 14:30, UK

Unai Emery has been phenomenal as Aston Villa’s head coach.

When Emery was hired in November 2022, he was tasked with dragging Villa out of the bottom half of the table.

He went on to achieve a seventh-placed finish in 2022-23, and they have gone from strength to strength ever since.

Emery has since finished in the top four and reached a Champions League quarter-final, and the Villa Park faithful are in awe of the job he has done.

While there are reports the 54-year-old could leave B6 in the summer, Villa News brings you everything you need to know about the beloved Spaniard.

• Read more: Unai Emery’s Aston Villa future in doubt as talks begin with European powerhouse

What is Unai Emery’s preferred formation?

Emery has given fans a lot to enjoy over the last three years, and his adaptable style of play has caused great problems for other teams in the Premier League.

Traditionally, he uses a 4-2-3-1 formation, but it is much more than that out of possession.

Morgan Rogers and John McGinn have been used in narrow areas, which has made it very hard for opponents to break Villa down.

It’s clear that the injuries to McGinn and Youri Tielemans have altered their shape, with Leon Bailey and Jadon Sancho not providing the same level of defensive support.

Both full-backs maintain their positions out wide, although Matty Cash has scored three goals this campaign.

As for Ollie Watkins up front, he runs down the channels constantly, allowing for space to open up in the middle for Villa’s other attackers.

While Emery’s tactical prowess has been hugely important, Villa also have several players who can step up in crucial moments.

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Who are Emery’s favourite players at Aston Villa?

Rogers and McGinn are both obvious answers, as they’ve both provided a mix of individual and selfless brilliance.

However, Ezri Konsa deserves a mention, as the 28-year-old became the first player to make 200 league appearances for Villa under Emery.

Konsa has been there for all the highs and lows since Villa’s promotion to the Premier League in 2019, and his development has skyrocketed as he is now recognised as one of England’s best centre-backs.

Watkins has been ever-present for Emery, and while his form hasn’t been at its best this season, Villa would not be achieving this level of consistency in the top flight without the former Brentford striker.

And finally, Boubacar Kamara has been pivotal to the team’s progression.

The French midfielder has arguably been Villa’s best player in 2025-26, with his knack for winning an impressive amount of duels proving to be indispensable.

Since he was ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a knee injury, Emery’s side have struggled, and he’ll be desperate to return fully fit next season.

Emery is doing a remarkable job with his players in B6, and it’s no shock that his impressive work is starting to gain recognition across Europe.

Emery’s Aston Villa future is in doubt next season

While his contract the Brummies runs until 2029, he may not last that long at Villa Park.

Sky Sports Germany journalist Patrick Berger reported on 29 January that Real Madrid have begun talks with the 54-year-old, and that he is on their shortlist for the summer.

The job he is doing at Villa has impressed the Spanish giants, and he is seen as a perfect candidate for the manager role.

One thing Emery hasn’t achieved in comparison to a lot of Villa’s all-time great managers is winning a trophy.

If Emery were to leave for Real Madrid at the end of the season, lifting the Europa League trophy would cement him as one of Villa’s most influential figures in their 152-year history.

But, if he doesn’t win any silverware, then it would be incredibly hard for him to turn down an opportunity with Real Madrid.

For even more Aston Villa news and updates, head over to Football Insider.