Unai Emery has two Aston Villa players at his disposal that he has to start when given the chance.
Injuries have ravaged the Spaniard’s squad this season, particularly in defence. Tyrone Mings hasn’t kicked a football since the opening day against Newcastle United and isn’t expected back until next season. Diego Carlos has also had injury issues.
Furthermore, Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres have spent time in the Bodymoor Heath treatment room.
The only constant in recent months has been Clement Lenglet. The Barcelona loanee has come in from the cold to play an essential part in Emery’s system.
Yet, there’s a partnership that has to be Emery’s go-to whenever they’re available.
Defensive duo turn Aston Villa into winning machine
Per some more good work by Aston Villa Statto on X, Opta Analyst have revealed that Konsa and Torres have the highest win rate out of any central defensive pairing in the Premier League.
Out of the eight games they’ve started, seven wins followed, with just a solitary defeat. The figures mean Villa win 87 per cent of their games whenever the duo start alongside each other.
Opta’s list contains some eye-catching names.
Second is Liverpool pairing Jarrel Quansah and Virgil Van Dijk, who have won four of their five matches together. Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have started 24 games together, winning 17, drawing three and losing just four.
Emery needs to start the pair when it fits. Unfortunately, availability has been an issue. Konsa missed February with a sprained knee sustained during the away win over Sheffield United.
The 26-year-old impressed against West Ham United, operating in a right-back role. Torres has also done well upon his return to the side; his performance against Fulham was eye-catching.
After the international break, utilising the duo should be at the forefront of Emery’s mind. The Spaniard’s return from injury appears to have been managed well, with his 45-minute outing against Ajax pre-planned to manage the defender’s workload.
Hopefully, after the international break, the 27-year-old can feature more consistently in what promises to be a hectic two months.
The post Unai Emery must unleash rock solid duo, Aston Villa win 87% of the time when they start - opinion appeared first on Aston Villa News.