It’s amazing how much Aston Villa has changed since the previous season. For the first time since winning the competition in the 1981–82 season, the Villans are about to make it into the Champions League. Even though the team has experienced an injury crisis that has kept important players like Tyrone Mings and Diego Carlos out of action for extended periods of time, Unai Emery’s tactical adjustments and general steadiness have been a major factor in this remarkable turnaround.
Indeed, their attack has garnered much attention, as the club boasts the most Premier League goals outside of the three title contenders. However, the partnership of Diego Carlos and Pau Torres has also been a revelation. The 31-year-old Brazilian has been phenomenal when healthy, securing his spot in Emery’s starting lineup and playing 27 games across all competitions this season. Torres wasn’t the only addition last summer; Clement Lenglet joined on loan, but the France international is not expected to stay permanently. With Mings recovering from a severe injury at 31 years old, Konsa often deployed on the right side, and Lenglet on his way out, Emery is eyeing the free agent market for another left-footed centre-back to strengthen his squad for the 2024/25 season.
