Why Emi Buendia can emerge as early Aston Villa hero amid latest on Johan Manzambi

Aston Villa's squad this season is already shaping up quite differently to last term's.

Unai Emery will certainly have a significant job on his hands, especially with Champions League football back at Villa Park.

Supporters will undoubtedly be eager to see how the likes of Joao Gomes and Johan Manzambi will get on this season, but in the case of the latter, patience may be required.

The Swiss international is currently dealing with an injury and that could keep him out for quite a few weeks.

The opening game of the Premier League season may be too soon for Manzambi which could open the door for an early Villa hero.

And Emi Buendia looks to be in the best position to provide that this season.

What is the latest on Johan Manzambi's injury?

Manzambi was one of the breakout stars of last season and he followed that up with impressive performances at the World Cup.

Ultimately that led to Villa swooping in to sign the versatile midfielder, who primarily operates as a number 10.

Manzambi has been touted as perfect for Villa but fans will have to wait to see him.

According to the Daily Mail, Manzambi's current injury is set to keep him out for the early stages of the season.

The Swiss international will miss the opening match against Brighton.

With Morgan Rogers no longer at Villa, Emery will have to seek a solution, with George Hemmings proving to be that in pre-season.

However, it does seem unlikely that the Spaniard will turn to the 19-year-old in those competitive matches.

Why Emi Buendia is perfect solution for Unai Emery

Losing Rogers is a blow, particularly with Manzambi's early struggles in B6.

However, over the last couple of pre-season games, Buendia has been deployed in the number 10 role, and he has performed quite well.

Typically a winger, the 29-year-old has emerged as a wildcard option for Emery.

The Argentine has scored in both of the games against Indonesia XI and Pathum XI, all while in a central role.

Additionally, the Villa star could prove to be the right man for that position based on last season's data as per Data.MB.

Among all wingers, Buendia placed in sixth for defensive duels won per 90, (3.97), seventh for interceptions for 90 (3.23) and was also capable of picking up plenty of fouls.

He finished ranked eighth for fouls suffered per 90 with 1.99.

Overall, while playing as a number 10 requires technique and creativity, it is also a midfield role and needs those defensive attributes too.

And it seems clear that Buendia does have those, offering Emery an early solution to an already emerging headache with his audition as a number 10.