Dan Bardell: Alex Moreno return can solve ‘desperate’ Aston Villa squad problem
We’re delighted to welcome Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
Alex Moreno’s return from injury will solve the “desperate” Aston Villa squad depth problems, according to Dan Bardell.
As reported by Birmingham Live (16 October), the Spaniard could be set for a return to the squad for the Villans’ Premier League clash against West Ham United on Sunday (22 October) after a three-week stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
In his absence, Unai Emery has been dependent on Lucas Digne. While many thought the Frenchman would depart this summer, Digne has proved his worth with numerous goal contributions. However, the lack of depth in this area remains a looming threat to Villa.
Bardell has praised Moreno as a better option than Digne for his ability to change games but maintains the pair will face a similar amount of game time this season. However, the added squad depth is the key benefit of the 30-year-old’s return.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “For the way Emery wants to play football, I think Moreno is better suited than Lucas Digne.
Subscribe to Football Insider TV now
“He’s better at getting up and down the pitch. But I think they’ll play a similar amount of games. Even in some games, you will see Digne playing left-back and Moreno playing on the left-hand side. I do think that’s something that will happen.
“We’ve seen that with Matty Cash and Ezri Konsa on the right-hand side and it’s something Emery has done at almost every club he’s been at.
“Having those two really high-level options can only be a good thing for the club. We’re desperate to get some bodies back and fill the bench up. When the games aren’t going well, I worry about how Villa could switch it up from the bench because they don’t have a ton of options.
“But if you’re chasing a game, Moreno is someone who can really change things.”
In other Aston Villa news, Emery has Jamie Vardy 2.0 sat right under his nose at Villa as a youngster makes waves on loan.
