The biggest tactical change at Aston Villa is happening in goal with Zion Suzuki

Aston Villa have been forced to make some major changes under Unai Emery this season.

After losing several key players over the summer, the Spanish manager has had to adapt to the squad overhaul in B6.

The Villans haven't had the best start to the 2026-27 campaign, with the new players changing how the team plays.

Zion Suzuki has been a game-changer in between the sticks at Villa Park since signing from Parma, though.

Emiliano Martinez ended his six-year stint with the Lions, winning the Europa League title, and his departure has already led to one of the biggest tactical changes at Villa Park.

Emery is incorporating the Japan international's attributes to the fullest, with the entire backline clearly changing their approach.

What Aston Villa players are now doing with Zion Suzuki in goal

Suzuki stood out for his saves against Tottenham as Villa got their first Premier League win of the season.

Another aspect of Suzuki's game that has been evident has been his distribution.

In the Villans' 1-0 defeat against Arsenal, the Japanese goalkeeper released George Hemmings with an impressive long ball and the young winger subsequently got a cross into the opposition box.

Speaking on Sky Sports during commentary, Gary Neville said, "That's one of the best passes I've ever seen from a goalkeeper. Ederson used to do that quite a bit. He can ping them."

Emery has incorporated Suzuki's impressive passing range into the Lions' game plan, with the goalkeeper averaging 6.8 long balls and 2.5 accurate chip passes per game in the Premier League, as per Sofascore.

With Martinez in goal last season, he averaged 5.5 long balls and 2.3 accurate chip passes per game.

Another distinction between the two is their accurate passes in the opposition half, with Suzuki averaging 5.3, while the Argentine shot-stopper averaged 4.2 per game.

Why Villa Park faithful don't need to be worried about lack of possession

Villa's average ball possession in the Premier League has dropped to 46 per cent this season, down from 53.6 per cent in the last.

While it hasn't been encouraging for fans to see their team control possession, Emery likely won't be bothered.

Martinez focused on circulating the ball more in the Villans' own half, while Suzuki is looking to make a difference further up the pitch.

Instead of focusing solely on building up from the back, the Spanish manager is using the Japan international's abilities to add a different dimension to the Lions' attack.

Supporters should get used to seeing their goalkeeper take more risks with the ball, as he can unlock opposition defences with his passing.