Lucas Digne decision to be made by Unai Emery after Aston Villa exit speculation

We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…

Alan Hutton is thankful for the strength in depth Aston Villa have as it's led to a series of improved performances by Lucas Digne this season.

In January, Unai Emery signed Alex Moreno and made him his first-choice left-back due to a drop in Digne's form.

However, injury has led to Moreno missing the opening games of this season and while he's been out, former Barcelona left-back Digne has stepped up his game.

The 30-year-old Frenchman has supplied five assists in six appearances in all competitions, including one on Saturday (16 September) as Villa came from a goal down to win 3-1 against Crystal Palace.

Moreno, 30, returned from his absence against Palace but was an unused substitute for Emery.

Hutton believes Digne can now continue being the number one left-back in Emery's squad due to his form after seizing his opportunity while Moreno was sidelined.

"Absolutely, he's started the season very well," said Hutton to Villa News when asked if Digne is likely to continue at left-back for the foreseeable future.

"It seemed there was a lot of interest in Digne from different clubs but he's decided to stay or the bids haven't come - whatever it may be - and he's kept his head down and worked hard.

"He's playing at a high level so he's got that place at this moment in time.

"It's always up to squad members to try and push their way back in.

"I've seen this a lot of times, you need competition at big clubs. If you don't have it, you can come a little bit slow sometimes and you just know you're going to play so you don't reach that level you should.

"In this situation, it's really good."

Digne was repeatedly linked with a move away from Villa Park in the summer.

On 21 August, RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins reported that OGC Nice were in talks to sign Digne while he was also linked with a move to Al Hilal by the Daily Mail on 3 August.

In other Aston Villa news, a new signing has already held crunch talks with Emery and a BBC Sport pundit has reacted.