Aston Villa might consider upgrading the right-back position in January as Unai Emery continues to face problems in the absence of Matty Cash.
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa have identified the right-back spot as problematic and would like to bring in a new player in January. The absence of Matty Cash seems to have affected Villa’s quest to get a grip on the title race, as Unai Emery will scour for options that could upgrade the role.
Unai Emery had a solid enough backline last season as he took his Aston Villa side to a fourth-placed finish and brought Champions League football back to Villa Park. The Basque manager has retained his entire backline following the summer window but might not have the desired additions.
For instance, Emery had identified the right-back area as a weak spot, given Matty Cash was their only outright choice there. Ezri Konsa played a huge chunk of the season there last time; however, Emery feels the England international’s best position is in a central spot.
He did start Konsa at right back at the weekend as they drew 2-2 with Ipswich Town. The manager has been experimenting with the position since Cash missed the best part of the month following a hamstring injury sustained against Arsenal. Emery has not found his best solution, as he used 20-year-old Lamare Bogarde there, who also happens to be a centre-back by trade.
Hence, Aston Villa could look for a new right-back, either as a competitor for Cash or to upgrade the position altogether. The outcome will depend on the level of options available in the market, with Emery likely to evaluate a few names between now and the January window.
Aston Villa missed out on summer targets
There’s still interest in Joe Gomez, who can expertly play the right-back role. Aston Villa were keen on the Liverpool man during the summer but failed to lure him in. Other names are on their list, as they were also keen on Lutsharel Geertruida in the summer, but the Dutchman is no longer an option ahead of the January window.
More names could emerge as the next few months progress, as Aston Villa might consider the availability of their targets a big factor before deciding how much they would like to spend. For now, Cash remains Emery’s first-choice right-back, as Villa fans are eagerly waiting for the Polish star to return.
