Why Aston Villa already have their Youri Tielemans replacement, it’s not Joao Gomes

Aston Villa could have a plan in place to replace Youri Tielemans.

The Belgium international has moved on as yet another B6 star makes the move to Manchester United.

Fans are still reeling from the likes of Ashley Young and Dwight Yorke making the move, and this one hurts just as much.

As covered by Villa News, this hasn't been time for the Villans to feel sorry for themselves, with Joao Gomes coming in from Wolves.

Unai Emery wanted the Brazil international and he is being viewed by many as a direct alternative to the 29-year-old.

That may not be the case and it could be an option within the existing squad that could make that step up.

What is Joao Gomes' skillset?

The idea that Gomes could be the replacement for the ex-Leicester man may be wide of the mark.

Tielemans is famed for his footballing IQ and range of passing skill.

That isn't truly a key part of the Brazilian's game as last season he created just 0.51 chances per 90 in the Premier League.

Obviously that has to be taken with a pinch of salt due to how poor Wolves were, but it paints a picture.

Instead, his dribbling and defensive ability will be what Emery has picked out.

He completed 1.37 dribbles per game last season and also won 1.56 fouls while also thriving going the other way.

Gomes put up 12.33 defensive actions including 3.40 tackles, ranking him amongst some of the best in the entire division.

That points towards him being more of an Amadou Onana alternative, leaving the door open for Boubacar Kamara to replace Tielemans.

Why Boubacar Kamara can start further forward for Aston Villa

It may sound silly, but Villa's best defensive midfielder may actually be their best chance of directly replacing the Belgian.

Kamara is much better on the ball than people give him credit for and managed to do last campaign, even after picking up a season-ending injury in January.

His 45.83 completed passes helped create 0.95 chances, while he also got forward with 0.89 dribbles.

That is all despite often playing as the deepest midfielder in a three, so chances to show an attacking element to his game were always going to be limited.

Everyone knows how good he is at disrupting attacks, but maybe he could be Emery's next answer to starting and finishing them next season.