Aston Villa’s Premier League Summer Series drew to a conclusion with an entertaining 3-3 draw against Brentford in the FedExField stadium, Maryland.
We’ve seen three thrilling, intriguing, and competitive matches played out in Philadelphia, Orlando and Maryland; let’s review the key takeaways from the series.
Words by: Ryan Mckeown
JADEN PHILOGENE-BIDACE SHINES
I tweeted the above before the Walsall friendly to assess Villa fans’ reactions (which were varied), since Jaden Philogene-Bidace has been a player I’ve kept an eye on since making his debut in a 1-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur in the dying embers of the 2020-21 season.
Dean Smith may have known the inevitability of Jack Grealish leaving for Manchester City, and Jaden’s cameo appearance was a nod to the future, alongside Carney Chukwuemeka (well, until – you know)
Fast forward two productive roughed-up loan spells with Stoke and Cardiff, and Philogene-Bidace has given himself every chance of making the first-team squad for next season, especially with a quota of at least four club-trained players named in the 25-man squad for the ECL Play-off and hopefully group stage.
Philogene-Bidace impressed. Starting all three of the Summer Series games (telling), in addition to the start against Walsall on the eve of the tour.
Unfazed by the step-up to first team, JPB played his natural game – brave, confident, balanced, and committed – sealing his presence by scoring the opening goal in the 2-0 win against Fulham.
An excellent series, young man!
MOUSA; LETS DANCE!
The squad had barely unpacked after jetting into ‘Villadelphia’, as it became known during our stay when a couple of the more – shall we say – reliable journalists reported heavily that a deal was complete for Moussa Diaby to sign for Aston Villa.
When it was officially confirmed by the club, Diaby was already Stateside with the rest of the squad; the transfer came too soon to feature in the opener against Newcastle.
What followed was two appearances, two goals – a great way to announce yourself.
He’s explosive, blockbuster. We’re going to like watching Diaby!
Emery will now design his best position and role. Finding that balance between him going in behind and when he needs to drop and contribute to the build-up and press of the ball
Early signs highlighted combinations and link-ups with the likes of Douglas Luiz and John McGinn; these movements will be more detailed and drilled once we return to Bodymoor Heath.
Somewhere Moussa Diaby has yet to visit.
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GOALS! (x8)
Raining goals as heavily as the raindrops in an Orlando electric storm.
Emi Buendia x2, Ollie Watkins x2, Moussa Diaby x2, and a goal apiece for Philogene-Bidace, Ezri Konsa (more about that later), and Matty Cash.
It’s a huge positive that we found the net regularly with multiple goal scorers, we looked tactically focused on our attacking drills, and the attacking performances were good, with plenty of encouraging combinations and fluid movements.
I’m sure Unai and his team will analyse and look to correct why we also conceded six goals. With Villa looking vulnerable to the diagonal balls over the top.
DEFENSIVE SHAPE
If you read my piece when Pau Torres signed (Pau Torres to spark tactical evolution?) I broke down tactically how our defensive shape could evolve; drop back and give it a read after.
I suggested 3 or 4 different shapes with different personnel, and we’ve seen a variations of these trialled by Unai Emery throughout the series.
It could simply be a way for all our defenders to share minutes to build up fitness or a genuine clue that we could line up in a hybrid back-four with three centre backs and an advanced full-back, either on the right or left.
We’ve seen our defenders stepping out with the ball since Unai Emery arrived; seeing the evolution of the progressive carriers and distance of our centre back pairings, the arrival of Pau Torres will further heighten those statistics.
But, Mr Ezri Konsa took it new level; harnessing his inner Alan Hutton and much more.
I know you’ve all seen it but it’s always worth another watch!
KIT LAUNCH
Aston Villa love a drawn-outΒ kit launch. The away shirt finally arrived and made its debut against Brentford.
It’s smart. In my opinion.
Pre-tour, I’m picturing the kit packed away in the team’s luggage as we checked in at the airportβthe kit man nervously sweating, hoping to avoid a random security check and revealing the new kit!
INSIGHTFUL CONTENT
We’ve witnessed new and insightful content in this series. Tyrone Mings rolled back the call centre days to mic up for a mid-game interview during a hydration break.
But the one that captured the most attention And what opened a few eyes to the pace of Premier League football, even at preseason pace, was Tielemans’ body cam.
It was frantic in the middle of the park; you have minimal time, which shows how quickly you need to get up to speed when coming off the bench.
Excellent communication from Tielemans throughout the footage was also noted.
CONCLUSION
It’s been a highly successful tour; we’ve taken up the opportunity to showcase the new-look Aston Villa stateside. Villa fans have travelled from all states to congregate to experience the matchday vibe that would have only been digested on social media.
Every game has been incredibly entertaining; it adds a competitive nature playing against Premier League rivals, although it is a friendlier format.
We’ve seen all the squad get valuable game time, which is what preseason is all about.
Snippets of training ground systems and patterns of play.
The midfield is looking ace!
I’ve not even touched on that; McGinn, Kamara, and Luiz have been excellent, with the stylish Tielemans further bolstering those ranks. Jacob Ramsey to follow.
Lazio up next, and I can’t wait to get down to Bescot to see the team live!
See you there. UTV.
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