The figures that show Alejandro Garnacho is a calculated gamble worth taking for Aston Villa

Alejandro Garnacho has arrived at Aston Villa with it all to prove.

The Argentine winger first emerged out of Manchester United with a heavy crown to wear. He was inundated with many reminders of the potential he had at Old Trafford.

However, as manager uncertainty at the Manchester side rumbled on throughout his spell, he eventually fell out of favour.

His confidence was undoubtedly rocked and he was forced out in a move to Chelsea after Ruben Amorim left him out of his plans.

For Aston Villa, snapping up the 22-year-old after seeing him struggle at Chelsea is a gamble.

But the data shows why it may turn out to be a shrewd and calculated move by the Villans and Unai Emery.

How Unai Emery can utilise Alejandro Garnacho's best qualities at Aston Villa

Garnacho's profile is much more like the old-school winger, who likes to hug the touchline and make his way up the wing with mazy dribbles.

And Aston Villa News have covered how it seems Emery is a big fan of Garnacho's.

His Sofascore heatmap proves that as he rarely inverted towards the centre of the goal, unless he was on the edge of the box.

So, when it comes to where the Argentine works best, it is when running with the ball from deep and progressing play up the wing.

According to Data.MB, Garnacho was one of the best wingers in the Premier League in doing so last season.

On a per-90 basis, Garnacho was second in terms of progressive carries (5.63) and ranked third for ball-carrying frequency (18.1).

Additionally, he was listed as second for touches in the box (5.94) and fourth for crosses attempted (4.74).

So, if Emery can refine the winger's game and improve his end product slightly, he could build an excellent partnership with Ollie Watkins.

Ollie Watkins can thrive off Garnacho, here's why

As shown, Garnacho does tend to put balls into the box. For Watkins, that is a striker's dream.

Additionally, seeing as the 22-year-old tends to push towards the byline rather than cutting inside early, that will lead to less shooting situations, and more chances to set up Watkins.

On paper, Garnacho's form over the last few years does not point to much of an exciting signing.

But the data suggests it may not be as much as a gamble as it was first perceived to be.