[ad_pod ]This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…ÂAston Villa have gone above and beyond in order to prepare themselves for the new season.Through the exit door of Villa Park went eight released players as well as Ross McCormack, but what followed has been rather remarkable.They’ve spent over £120m on 12 new faces but it doesn’t look as though their work will stop there.This week’s signings included Tom Heaton and Marvelous Nakamba as the Villans added to their goalkeeping department and their midfield.However, it’s Nakamba and Douglas Luiz who could help one of the players who was at the club last term improve even more.
On the chalkboard
After releasing Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak, finding more defensive-minded midfielders was going to be key.
Whelan appeared more regularly in midfield than the Australian who was also trusted to play in defence at times.
Nakamba moved to the club after a fee of £11m was agreed whilst Douglas’ entrance signalled an expenditure of £15m, taking the spend on the two to £26m.
Both of them boast the ability to play in defensive midfield with the former standing out in the Champions League in 2018/19.
He made 4.4 tackles per game in continental football whilst we’ve already detailed on FFC the impact the Brazilian can have against some of the best teams in La Liga.
Considering their ability to break up the play from deep in midfield, it could free up the dynamic John McGinn. He was incredibly influential in defensive and attacking phases of play last term, scoring seven goals and assisting nine as well.
In the process, he made 2.1 tackles on average each match.
However, bringing in two holding players like Nakamba and Douglas can now give McGinn more responsibility in attack, thus helping him to enhance his game in that part of the pitch.
The twinkle-toed midfield man has already shown his extreme class in pre-season, scoring a sensational solo goal against Charlton as he weaved his way past one defender and then the goalkeeper on the byline.
The Scot is a truly tremendous player in the final third, completing 1.9 dribbles per outing and having 2.5 shots every 90 minutes.
Perhaps with Douglas and Nakamba arriving, we could start to see moments like the one we saw against Charlton on a more regular basis.
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