Unai Emery is heading into his fourth full season as Aston Villa manager.
The Villans are back in the Champions League, having finished fourth in the Premier League last season and won the Europa League.
The importance of squad depth is emphasized when playing in Europe, especially when going from Europa League to Champions League.
Aston Villa have already lost a number of key players this summer. Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas DIgne have all left the club so far.
It’s now on Emery to scrape everything together, reayd to go again on all fronts. So, how will he do it?
What does Unai Emery need to do at Aston Villa?
New arrivals
Aston Villa have spent £85million so far this summer. Johan Manzambi has arrived as the club’s record signing, joining from Freiburg for £51m. Joao Gomes has joined for £34m, while Alejandro Garnacho has arrived on loan. Modou Keba Cisse has also been added to the squad, having initially signed for Aston Villa last summer.
Manzabi is clearly the replacement for Rogers, capable of playing anywhere from central midfield to centre-forward. He excels when it comes to his ball-carrying, using his power and athleticism to carry over all distances and win duels. The Swiss star then has the confidence to pop shots.
Emery had Jadon Sancho as part of his squad last season, on loan from Manchester United. So Garnacho’s loan arrival from Chelsea is a welcome one for attacking depth. The 22-year-old struggled for the Blues last season, but he does have certain traits that intrigue managers and clubs.
Gomes has arrived to replace Tielemans, as a complete midfielder. He contests duels, makes tackles, progresses play and looks to control matches.
Lastly, Cisse will be a depth option in central defence. But at just 21, his development and pathway to the first team is likely to be managed.
Villa’s squad depth
Certain parts of the Aston Villa squad look nicely fleshed out. The right side of defence and left side of the attack are looking particularly strong.
Manzambi has the ability to play on the left, giving Emery plenty of options for that side of the pitch. Meanwhile the right-backs of Matty Cash and Kosta Nedeljkovic can also be joined by Ezri Konsa and Cisse.
The striker department is also looking good, with Ollie Watkins joined by Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo. But there is still work to be done. The right side of attack, left side of defence and midfield are the lighter areas.
One caveat for midfield is that Victor Lindelof was used there last season when dealing with injuries. But this is clearly not the ideal solution for Emery in such an important position.
Aston Villa had been linked with a move for Joao Palhinha, who spent last season on loan with Tottenham Hotspur. But that looks to have broken down, with Bayern wanted to sell and Villa only looking for a loan.
So the search must restart for more midfield depth. And they need it given the injury issues for both Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara.
Left-back needs
Perhaps more importantly, Aston Villa are on the verge of adding to their left-back pool, following Digne’s departure. Emery wants his full-backs to arrive dynamically in the final third, supporting the attack and getting into crossing positions.
Digne managed six assists in the Premier League last season, creating 26 chances and attempting 106 cross. Ian Maatsen is now 24 and — after two seasons as backup to Digne — this could be his chance to make the spot his own.
Despite being slight in frame, Maatsen’s speed and intensity helps him defensively. The Dutchman averaged 5.7 duels won per 90 minutes last season, making 2.5 tackles and 4.7 ball recoveries.
However, Matteo Ruggeri appears close to joining Aston Villa. And the 24-year-old is expected to challenge for a starting spot.
The Italian full-back is good at arriving in crossing positions, having a good delivery on his left-foot. He managed seven assists across all competitions for Atletico Madrid last season, the best return of his career so far.
More fire power needed
Aston Villa scored 56 goals in the Premier League last season, the seventh-most in the division. That’s despite creating the eighth-most big chances (64).
With Rogers leaving the club, Aston Villa will be looking to add another forward alongside both Manzambi and Garnacho to firstly sustain their level, but also go beyond and improve.
Despite being just 17, Madjo has already proven he is ready for minutes after his display in the Super Cup. Therefore, an attacker who can play off the right would make the most sense, with John McGinn also able to play as a No.10.
Endrick has been mentioned, with the Brazilian potentially available on loan this season. 2026 World Cup hero Julian Quinones is another name mentioned.
Either way, another attacker alongside a full-back and midfielder would have the squad looking a lot more healthy, with anything else to strengthen on top of that being a bonus.