The second part of our series is centered around Aston Villa. The Villians had a tough start last year when their gaffer was Steven Gerrard, however with the addition of Unai Emery positivity blossomed at Villa Park from then on. Emery's men will be in for an interesting season if last year is anything to go off.
Aston Villa
Who's in charge?
The man in the dugout is obviously the four time Europa League winner Unai Emery and his ability to get to grips with the squad so quickly after being appointed mid season has started the Aston Villa rebuild in the best possible fashion. The turn around last season was second to none, from relegation danger to a European spot Villa fans could not have asked for anything more from the Spaniard.
His conservative approach will be utilised next year with the signing of Youri Tielemans, with the Belgians cutting edge passing and ability to produce that killer pass he will be expected to create chance after chance for the likes of Ollie Watkins. It is common knowledge that Emery's side is always defensively solid and with now being given the chance to have a pre-season with the side I can only see more clean sheets for the Clarets.
Every time that an outsider makes it in Europe there is always a worry that they will have an off season in the league due to the lack of depth and the increased amount of games to play. However with Emery's experience of managing teams who have played regular European football I'm sure he will be able to relay that knowledge into the side and have another positive season.
The In's and Out's
In's
Pau Torres Villarreal £33m
Moussa Diaby - Bayer Leverkusen undisclosed
Rico Richards - West Brom, free
Youri Tielemans - Leicester, free
Outs
Marvelous Nakamba - Luton, undisclosed
Ashley Young - Everton, free
Jed Steer - Released
Brad Young - Released
Louie Barry - Stockport, loan
Kaine Kesler-Hayden - Plymouth, loan
Morgan Sanson - Nice, loan
Viljami Sinisalo - Exeter, loan
Wesley Moraes - Stoke, free
Aston Villa's standout player
This season I feel John Mcginn will be a vital piece in Unai Emery's success. We have to remember that this could be Emery's first full season at Villa Park and he will want to make sure that his philosophy is even more engrained in the team than it is already. With the addition of Torres shoring up the back , Diaby being a counter attacking outlet and Tielemans being that vital link from defense to attack I feel the Scotsman has a very important role to play.
The 28 year old will be a key piece to the puzzle due to his workhorse mentality. This isn't knocking his ability in any shape or form but I feel he will be mopping up in the midfield and will be trying to keep the ball away from the defensive third. Consequently I think Mcginn will stand out this year and will help make the new signings blossom.
Will it be a successful or unsuccessful season for Aston Villa
Overall I think this year will be a positive one for them, however I don't think it will result in them gaining European football once more. I think a mid table finish and a decent European cup run will be seen as a success to the club and the fans. As much as Emerys experience will be crucial I feel the step up might be a little too much for them but they won't be anywhere near relegation danger this season.
Harry Lucas
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