One of the strongest midfield combinations Aston Villa has ever had in the Premier League era was that of Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara. We had no idea that Kamara’s injury in Villa’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United would be his final matchup with Luiz when he went down holding his knee. They played in all but one of the team’s first 16 games in the previous campaign, which ended with a 1-0 victory over Arsenal to move Villa to within two points of the top of the table.
Villa scored 35 goals in those 16 games, winning 11 and losing just 3. Their power in the middle of the field allowed them to frequently dominate their opponents. Luiz (sold) and Kamara (injured) won’t be available for Villa when the new season begins against West Ham, and Unai Emery has already added two new midfielders in the first few days of the summer transfer market.
Kamara’s backup, Enzo Barrenechea, signed with Villa this week for less than £7 million. However, the French midfielder will miss the first few months of the season because of a knee injury he sustained against United in February.
Barrenechea, who is 23 years old and has only played one season of senior football—while on loan at Frosinone last season—will be closely watched by Emery throughout the seven preseason games Villa will play over the next six weeks. Eusebio Di Francesco was impressed, and the manager and club president even likened him to Rodri, Busquets, and Rijkaard. Barrenechea’s fans will have to exercise patience as he will probably require some time to adjust to Premier League play, much like Luiz did in 2019. Take a look at the player he’s developed into.
Luiz played beside Kamara under Emery, although he was free to advance and participate in attacks. Ross Barkley and Youri Tielemans are also capable of succeeding in that role. Barkley performed at his peak last season at Luton thanks to a deeper role. Compared to Luiz and Tielemans in the previous season, he tallied more passes, carries into the final third, takeaways, switches, interceptions, and aerial duels won.
John McGinn, meanwhile, supports Ollie Watkins in a more advanced role and plays some of his best game. However, Emery’s midfield choices, which include McGinn, Barkley, and Tielemans, are excellent because they are all adaptable and can work as a double pivot or as Watkins’ support group when paired with the left and right midfielders. On the sides, Moussa Diaby, Leon Bailey, Emi Buendia, Morgan Rogers, and Jacob Ramsey are all intriguing choices.
Villa assessed their team over a year ago, considering which players are untouchable, their contract durations, and the ages of specific players in order to get ready for Luiz’s departure. Because of this, the club’s recruitment squad was thrilled to sign Tielemans for free last summer and acted fast to sign Barkley for a mere £5 million when Luton was relegated. With only two years remaining on his contract, Luiz was at the top of his game. Though it is frustrating to have to let go of a vital player, Villa has actually benefited financially and strategically by having two elite players in the same area of the field thanks to some foresight and deft bargaining.
With the transfer of Luiz to Juventus, Tim Iroegbunam to Everton, and Omari Kellyman to Chelsea, Villa has made about £70 million so far. Villa is exempt from the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) as a result of Luiz’s £42 million transfer to the Italian powerhouses, but they will still need to be careful with their summer spending.
Villa is still looking to bolster their midfield, even though Emery has some great options in this part of the field. Amadou Onana of Everton is also a target, although Conor Gallagher is reportedly a top contender.
Gallagher’s contract at Stamford Bridge expires in 12 months, and Chelsea is seeking £50 million for him. He would be another player in Emery’s team who could play as an advanced role-player or as a double pivot if Villa could close that deal. Emery would have significant depth to cover a double pivot and an advanced role, which Buendia, Ramsey, Diaby, Bailey, and Rogers could all occupy, in addition to Barkley, Tielemans, McGinn, Barrenechea, and Kamara.
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