Why Johan Manzambi's Bundesliga record completely changes Unai Emery's Aston Villa system
Johan Manzambi has some big shoes to fill at Aston Villa.
Morgan Rogers has completed his big-money move to Chelsea from the Villans and the Switzerland international seems like his replacement in B6.
Unai Emery has also seen Youri Tielemans join Manchester United and he could now be set for a tactical tweak at the Lions.
Manzambi's arrival at Villa Park brings a completely different profile to Rogers.
While both essentially play in the number 10 role, their contrasting styles now give the Spanish manager some food for thought at the Villans.
Manzambi was the most fouled player in the Bundesliga last season, which could hint at how the Lions will set up with him in their starting lineup.
How Unai Emery should deploy Johan Manzambi at Aston Villa
Emery prefers to create artificial transitions at Villa, goading the opposition to press high up the pitch.
The Spanish manager's core philosophy doesn't need to change next season, but how he uses his players surely will.
Rogers was usually deployed up front in a 4-4-2 formation out of possession at the Villans during the 2025-26 campaign, with his heatmap mostly concentrated in the final third.
The England international usually received the ball near the final third of the pitch and tried to take plenty of risks to create chances, completing just 75 per cent of his passes, according to Sofascore.
Manzambi is someone who likes to drop deeper and receive the ball, as evidenced by his heatmap, and ensures he doesn't lose it easily.
The 20-year-old was fouled 78 times in total last season and completed 84 per cent of his passes, while creating six big chances.
While Emery opted to create chaos with Rogers in the team, Manzambi's inclusion will likely bring some calm and control to Villa's system next season, with his elite ball control helping them maintain possession for longer.
Unai Emery's midfield assessed for next season
Aston Villa News have covered how Joao Gomes will bring defensive resoluteness to Emery's side after signing from Wolves.
Considering the options at the Spanish manager's disposal right now, the Brazilian midfielder could form a partnership with Boubacar Kamara for the start of the season.
Amadou Onana's injury is likely to keep him out of action for a considerable period.
Manzambi could be the one at the tip of the two pivots in the engine room, while John McGinn and Emiliano Buendia will surely retain their positions in the starting lineup out wide unless quality signings are made.