Unai Emery’s key priority this summer is improving his Aston Villa defence and he could land an ‘amazing’ player who compares himself to Virgil van Dijk.
The 2023/24 campaign will go down as one of the greatest in Aston Villa’s history as Unai Emery led the Villans to Champions League qualification and a European semi-final.
Their charge was spearheaded by the relentless Ollie Watkins while players such as Douglas Luiz, Leon Bailey and John McGinn truly rose to prominence in claret and blue.
Emery’s fluid and free-flowing attack was a joy to watch, dismantling the league’s leading lights, including Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City.
At the other end, though, was where the Spaniard had his biggest issues as the Villans were torn to shreds by their rivals.
Aston Villa’s defensive frailities in 2023/24
For a side that finished in the top four, Villa’s defence was extremely leaky.
Despite boasting arguably the best goalkeeper on the planet in Emi Martinez and a backline consisting of quality players such as Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa, the Midlands side still conceded an alarming 61 goals in 38 matches.
That was more than the total relegation-threatened Everton conceded, while Emery’s men also shipped at least 20 more goals than the other three sides that finished in the top four, Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Villa have sought to improve their defence by moving for Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen, who is close to joining the club, though they still need another rock-solid central defender to challenge the likes of Diego Carlos, Konsa and Pau.
Aston Villa should sign Euro 2024 star David Hancko
Reports have linked Aston Villa to Feyenoord centre-back David Hancko, who is currently starring for Slovakia at Euro 2024.
The Falcons have qualified through the group at the tournament and will play England in their round of 16 clash on Sunday, whilst Hancko will continue in his role as a left-back.
While at club level he’s predominantly used as a central defender, the 26-year-old is utilised as a full-back for his country, underscoring his ability to play in multiple positions.
Dubbed ‘amazing’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the powerful defender would bring an aerial presence to Emery’s defence, scoring seven times from 48 appearances last term.
It’s such returns and dominance at the back that has seen Hancko compare himself to Liverpool stalwart Virgil van Dijk, saying: “I don’t want to compare myself with Virgil, but that invincible feeling he exudes was something I felt last season very strongly.
“Just like Virgil, I am not afraid of anyone. But that is different from not respecting my opponent.”
Hancko has shown a lack of fear in possession, playing the ball out from the back in the Champions League to a high standard and ranking in the top 4% for passes attempted, the top 18% for pass completion and the top 19% for progressive passes.
Standing tall figuratively and physically at 6 foot 2, Emery could do with his presence cemented in their defence as he’s an excellent defender who would only improve even further under his guidance.
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