Ross Barkley may have left Unai Emery no other choice after Aston Villa vs Indonesia XI
Aston Villa's friendly against Indonesia XI may have shown the greatest insight into Unai Emery's thinking ahead of the new season.
The Villans have had a productive pre-season so far, but their efforts ramped up when they beat the all-star side 3-1 on Saturday.
Emery's side emerged victorious at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Indonesia, with Brian Madjo and Emi Buendia on the scoresheet.
Ross Barkley also grabbed himself a goal, which topped off another impressive performance from the 32-year-old this pre-season.
The former Chelsea man was in and out of Emery's thinking last term, though an injury to Amadou Onana could change things.
But Barkley has earned his shot at Aston Villa, not just on a technicality, as his performance against Indonesia XI proves.
Why Ross Barkley has left Unai Emery with no choice amid goal vs Indonesia XI
It feels like Barkley is just a player who is only getting better with age, and he may be needed even more this season.
That's because, according to information that Villa News gathered, Onana could be sidelined for anywhere between six and 12 months.
When called upon last season, Barkley did the business, though the midfielder only managed to make 23 appearances in total for the Villans.
Barkley was only given seven starts and 852 minutes of football in the Premier League last season, but he showed that he deserved more.
He boasted an impressive 87.7 per cent passing accuracy, while also having a sky-high dribble success percentage at 65 per cent, one of the highest in the league for his position.
Barkley is more suited as an eight, though his duel win rate of 47.2 per cent proves he can get stuck in when needed, as he made 74 defensive contributions across limited opportunities.
Barkley was last left off the leash with Luton Town in the 2023-24 season, where he completed 2.27 dribbles per match, while also creating more than 1.5 chances per 90 minutes.
The former England international showed what he can do to Emery when given freedom, netting a beautiful strike against the Indonesia all-star outfit.
Given some of Villa's recent departures, Emery may have no other choice but to play Barkley to start the season.
But that should not be seen as a worry, as it will give him a chance to prove what he can do when given a real opportunity and run in the side.
Another Aston Villa man who should now get chance this season
Madjo was on the scoresheet yet again for Villa, as he netted his fourth goal of pre-season when putting Emery's side three to the good.
He collected a through pass inside the box before firing under the goalkeeper, displaying quick feet for someone of his stature.
The 6'4" number nine is showing Emery what he can do in a time where uncertainty remains around Ollie Watkins' season.
Unfortunately, due to FIFA regulations, he will not be able to play for the Villans in a competitive match until he turns 18 in January next year.
Right now would be a great time for him to be given a chance in the Premier League, and though he will have to wait, Emery may remember his pre-season when the time comes later in the season.