Why Boubacar Kamara's Aston Villa return didn't deserve Brighton humiliation

Boubacar Kamara played his first Premier League game in 228 days for Aston Villa against Brighton.

The 26-year-old had last turned out in the top flight against Crystal Palace on 7 January earlier this year.

Of course, it would be in Aston Villa's FA Cup clash with Tottenham three days later when he would suffer his serious knee injury.

But, after returning to fitness in time for pre-season, Kamara started in central midfield alongside Joao Gomes against Brighton.

The less said about what happened at the Amex the better, as Gomes saw red after 40 minutes and the Seagulls had won the game 4-0 inside 31 minutes.

However, Kamara's display understandably got lost amongst the Villa fallout from the game, but it didn't deserve to.

How Boubacar Kamara quietly reminded Aston Villa of his class vs Brighton

In a sea of negatives for the Villains from Sunday's Premier League curtain-raising shambles, Kamara was a subtle positive.

Now in his fifth season at Villa Park, the central midfielder has dealt with a number of injury problems during his time in the West Midlands.

But, as his Brighton display reaffirmed, if he can stay fit, then Unai Emery has a top midfield player at his disposal.

As per FotMob, Kamara covered 10.9kilometres against Brighton, which was the third-most of any player on the pitch.

He also completed 96 per cent of his pass attempts successfully, was successful with his lone dribble attempt and played three line-breaking passes.

Meanwhile, Kamara made two tackles, two recoveries, one block, one clearance and one interception, whilst also winning four ground duels.

So, how did the media react to Kamara's Aston Villa comeback, and with the context of these numbers, were they harsh?

Media not as kind to Kamara as his Brighton stats warranted

Given the nature of Villa's defeat to Brighton, it's not at all surprising to see the media come down harshly on those wearing Villains shirts.

The vast majority will have been justified, but as noted above, Kamara's performance was perhaps considerably better than many gave it credit for.

Birmingham Live wrote: "Difficult afternoon for every player, including Kamara, who was making his first Premier League appearance since the start of the year. Four."

Meanwhile, DAZN said: "Battled hard but could not stem the tide in midfield. 5.4."

The 4th Official were slightly kinder to Kamara, saying: "He did his fair share of defending but lacked quality on the ball. Six."

What must be remembered is that this was Kamara's first taste of Premier League football again in many months.

So, he was always bound to start looking more leggy as the game went on, but to put up the numbers he did with very little help from his teammates was impressive.

Especially with Amadou Onana's injury, make no mistake, Kamara is going to be a vital player in Emery's side this season.