{"id":1419403,"date":"2025-12-16T12:38:01","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T12:38:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1419403"},"modified":"2025-12-16T12:42:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T12:42:45","slug":"tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/","title":{"rendered":"Boubacar Kamara analysis: The defensive anchor powering Aston Villa\u2019s Premier League surge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Aston Villa\u2019s current six-game winning run is the longest in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/premier-league\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Premier League<\/a> this season.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After a rocky start to the campaign, Villa are flying. Indeed, the Villans failed to win their opening five league matches. A heavy home defeat to Crystal Palace suggested the Midlands side were in for a long season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover:<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-kamara-key-in-villa-s-winning-run\" data-level=\"3\">Kamara key in Villa&#8217;s winning run<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-off-the-ball-influence-vital-for-emery-s-side\" data-level=\"3\">Off-the-ball influence vital for Emery&#8217;s side<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-villa-s-tempo-setter-allows-attacking-stars-to-thrive\" data-level=\"3\">Villa&#8217;s tempo setter allows attacking stars to thrive<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet after recovering from a goal down to beat Fulham 3-1 at the end of September, Villa have turned a corner. Unai Emery\u2019s side have won 10 of their last 11 top-flight outings. The blip on the record book was a 2-0 loss at Liverpool, but Villa rarely, if ever, win at Anfield anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In that nigh-on unstoppable run, the usual suspects have caught the eye. Morgan Rogers continues to thrive under Emery. Ezri Konsa proves why he\u2019s a regular for England. Matty Cash is an unheralded star at right-back. Emiliano Buendia has shown how important he can be to this high-flying Villa side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-kamara-key-in-villa-s-winning-run\">Kamara key in Villa&#8217;s winning run<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As impressive as Villa have been going forward, however, they need a defensive shield. Emery favours a 4-2-3-1 setup, and one of those at the base of the midfield needs to sit back to protect the backline. It\u2019s only fair then that Boubacar Kamara is given his flowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Frenchman moved to Villa Park in 2022, and was an incredibly important addition to the squad. Villa lacked a ball winner in the middle of the park. Kamara, therefore, provided that necessary resolve. That he joined on a free transfer means there\u2019s a fair argument to be made that Kamara is Villa\u2019s best signing in the Premier League era. They certainly missed the 26-year-old during the bulk of 2024 owing to an ACL injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And as Villa weighed up a big money sale to remain within PSR guidelines, Kamara saw fit to pen a new deal until 2030 earlier in the year. The club welcomed the news with open arms. Kamara was linked with a move away from Villa over the summer as one of their more sellable assets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-off-the-ball-influence-vital-for-emery-s-side\">Off-the-ball influence vital for Emery&#8217;s side<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In hindsight, the decision to rebuff any talk of an exit was for the best. Only Cash (29) has made more tackles than Kamara (27) of Aston Villa players in the Premier League this season. No Villa player has made more interceptions (12) for the club in England\u2019s top tier this term.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122758\/crossplot-export-4-1024x765.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1419407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122758\/crossplot-export-4-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122758\/crossplot-export-4-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122758\/crossplot-export-4-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122758\/crossplot-export-4-358x267.png 358w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122758\/crossplot-export-4-268x200.png 268w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122758\/crossplot-export-4-80x60.png 80w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122758\/crossplot-export-4-150x112.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122758\/crossplot-export-4-40x30.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122758\/crossplot-export-4.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In addition, he ranks top for aerial wins (30) for Emery\u2019s side, that in itself third of central midfielders in the division. Villa have won 15 points from losing positions in the Premier League this season, more than any other team. They remain competitive in games <em>because<\/em> of Kamara\u2019s influence in the midfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kamara\u2019s a physically imposing midfielder who is able to repel any direct attacking threats with ease. This is vital for Villa for a number of reasons. Notably, Villa boast a 53% possession average in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign. With a lower possession return, opponents will so often pressure the Villa goal. Having a midfielder who is both a tough tackler and dominant aerially ensures the Villans don\u2019t always concede when teams push forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Crucially, too, is that having a defensive workhorse of Kamara\u2019s ilk means Villa are rarely caught out when they do commit. The Premier League\u2019s third-placed side are one of three teams yet to concede a counter-attacking goal this season. While the likes of Rogers, Amadou Onana, Cash and Lucas Digne are prepared to support the offensive, Kamara is willing to sit back to mop up behind the quartet.<\/p>\n\n\n<hr \/>\r\n<h2>BOYLE Sports offer: Bet \u00a310 Get \u00a340 in free bets<\/h2>\r\n<p>Not signed up to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/boylesports\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BOYLE Sports<\/a> yet? Here's how to claim one of the best bookmaker welcome offers around...<\/p>\r\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\r\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\r\n\r\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} --><\/p>\r\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\r\n<li>Sign up to BOYLE Sports using this <a href=\"\/en\/go\/boylesports?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">link<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\r\n\r\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\r\n<li>Deposit a minimum of \u00a310 (Excluding Skrill\/Moneybookers, Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe or prepaid cards).<\/li>\r\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\r\n\r\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\r\n<li>Place a minimum bet of \u00a310 or more at odds of EVS (2.0) or greater.<\/li>\r\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\r\n\r\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\r\n<li>Receive your \u00a340 in free bets<\/li>\r\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\r\n<p><!-- \/wp:list -->\r\n\r\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":1393641,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} --><\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/go\/boylesports?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1425440 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2022\/04\/20153506\/Screenshot-2026-01-20-153448-1024x323.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"323\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2022\/04\/20153506\/Screenshot-2026-01-20-153448-1024x323.png 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2022\/04\/20153506\/Screenshot-2026-01-20-153448-300x95.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2022\/04\/20153506\/Screenshot-2026-01-20-153448-768x242.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2022\/04\/20153506\/Screenshot-2026-01-20-153448-400x126.png 400w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2022\/04\/20153506\/Screenshot-2026-01-20-153448-600x189.png 600w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2022\/04\/20153506\/Screenshot-2026-01-20-153448-190x60.png 190w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2022\/04\/20153506\/Screenshot-2026-01-20-153448-150x47.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2022\/04\/20153506\/Screenshot-2026-01-20-153448-40x13.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2022\/04\/20153506\/Screenshot-2026-01-20-153448.png 1524w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><!-- \/wp:image --><\/p>\r\n<p><em>18+ New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Min Deposit \u00a310. Min stake \u00a310. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out\/Free Bets won\u2019t apply. Account &amp; Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household &amp; IP Address only. T&amp;Cs Apply<\/em><\/p>\r\n<hr \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-villa-s-tempo-setter-allows-attacking-stars-to-thrive\">Villa&#8217;s tempo setter allows attacking stars to thrive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No wonder Emery once described Kamara as the \u201csort of player any coach always wants in their squad\u201d. Those that perform the nitty gritty duties rarely receive praise beyond their club and fanbase. Kamara is among those but he\u2019s been just as important to Villa\u2019s U-turn in fortunes following the sub-par start to the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The control he brings to the side cannot be overstated. Of Villa players to have started at least half of their league games, an 87.8% pass accuracy ranks third. What\u2019s more, 51 passes per 90 places fourth using the same parameters. Kamara\u2019s tidy in possession, carrying out the \u2018win and recycle possession\u2019 duties with ease. He won\u2019t play line breaking passes, opting to instead keep things simple. The simplicity to his game is what makes Kamara one of the best in his position in the Premier League. That is, of course, when he isn&#8217;t finding the top corner against Villa&#8217;s Midlands rivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When Real Madrid sanctioned Claude Makelele\u2019s exit and replaced the Frenchman with David Beckham in 2003, the analogy goes that <em>Los Blancos<\/em> sold the engine of the Ferrari. Real Madrid struggled for years following Makelele\u2019s exit. The midfielder\u2019s reputation was enhanced by his absence, and the same applies to Kamara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Villa missed Kamara when he suffered an ACL injury last year. His return to fitness offered an instant reminder of his class. Now Villa sit three points off top spot ahead of Sunday\u2019s welcome of Manchester United. They\u2019ll certainly fancy their chances of a seventh successive win at United\u2019s expense this weekend. With Kamara holding down the fort, many expect the dream of all the spoils to become reality.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football betting tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-articles-list\">\n                    <h2 class=\"sq-heading-line\">Latest Features<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"sq-cards\">\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-spain-vs-belgium-10-07-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/10222016\/3F14P58-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Mikel Merino celebrates scoring for Spain in their 2026 World Cup win over Belgium\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-spain-vs-belgium-10-07-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Spain vs Belgium stats and analysis: Merino&#8217;s late winner sends La Roja into World Cup semi-finals                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/benmcaleer\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Ben McAleer                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">6 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/andrey-santos-man-utd-tactical-analysis\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/09170518\/AndreySantos190526_ID3EGFW6W-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Andrey Santos Man Utd: How Brazilian can transform Michael Carrick&#039;s midfield\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/andrey-santos-man-utd-tactical-analysis\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Man Utd analysis: How Andrey Santos can transform Michael Carrick&#8217;s midfield                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/connorholden\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Connor Holden                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">12 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/argentina-vs-switzerland-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/10115150\/argentina-vs-switzerland-penalties-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Argentina vs Switzerland penalty analysis: Who will win if quarter-final goes all the way?\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/argentina-vs-switzerland-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Argentina vs Switzerland penalty analysis: Who will win if quarter-final goes all the way?                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">15 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/spain-vs-belgium-stats-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/10104815\/SYMS_SpainvsBelgium-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/spain-vs-belgium-stats-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Spain vs Belgium Stats: La Roja unbeaten in 35, super sub Lukaku &amp; unstoppable De la Fuente                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/jackkitson\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Jack Kitson                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">16 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/norway-vs-england-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/10094352\/norway-vs-england-penalties-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Norway vs England penalty analysis: Who will win if quarter-final goes all the way?\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/norway-vs-england-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Norway vs England penalty analysis: Who will win if quarter-final goes all the way?                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">17 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/erling-haaland-vs-harry-kane-analysis-world-cup-comparison-matrix\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/09170820\/feature_image-x-2-purple-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Erling Haaland vs Harry Kane analysis: Which striker comes out on top?\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/erling-haaland-vs-harry-kane-analysis-world-cup-comparison-matrix\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Erling Haaland vs Harry Kane analysis: Which striker comes out on top?                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/connorholden\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Connor Holden                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">18 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-france-vs-morocco-09-07-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/09225111\/KylianMbappe090726_ID3F0T5EN-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"France vs Morocco analysis: Les Bleus showcase variety of attacking solutions against stubborn Atlas Lions\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-france-vs-morocco-09-07-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    France vs Morocco stats and analysis: Les Bleus showcase variety of attacking solutions against stubborn Atlas Lions                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/connorholden\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Connor Holden                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 day ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-chelsea-marco-palestra-new-signing\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/08192510\/MarcoPalestra210226_ID3ETX0TE-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-chelsea-marco-palestra-new-signing\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Chelsea analysis: Why Marco Palestra is Xabi Alonso&#8217;s perfect first signing                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/connorholden\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Connor Holden                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 day ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/spain-vs-belgium-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/09142325\/spain-vs-belgium-penalties-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Spain vs Belgium penalty analysis: Who will win if quarter-final goes all the way?\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/spain-vs-belgium-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Spain vs Belgium penalty analysis: Who will win if quarter-final goes all the way?                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/france-vs-morocco-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/09133027\/france-vs-morocco-penalties-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"France vs Morocco penalty analysis: Who will win if quarter-final goes all the way?\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/france-vs-morocco-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    France vs Morocco penalty analysis: Who will win if quarter-final goes all the way?                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/norway-analysis-world-cup-tactics-break-english-hearts\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/09091031\/ErlingHaaland09072026_ID3F02FX5-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Norway analysis: How Erling Haaland and the Vikings could break English hearts\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/norway-analysis-world-cup-tactics-break-english-hearts\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Norway analysis: How Erling Haaland and the Vikings could break English hearts                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/connorholden\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Connor Holden                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/france-vs-morocco-stats-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/09093642\/SYMS_FrancevsMorocco-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/france-vs-morocco-stats-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    France vs Morocco Stats: Mbappe chasing Messi, Deschamps\u2019 milestone &amp; Morocco\u2019s unbeaten run                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/jackkitson\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Jack Kitson                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-jude-bellingham-england-star\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/08163453\/JudeBellingham050726_ID3F0D9HB-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Jude Bellingham analysis: Why England don&#039;t have to rely on Harry Kane\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-jude-bellingham-england-star\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Jude Bellingham analysis: Why England don&#8217;t have to rely on Harry Kane                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/connorholden\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Connor Holden                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-2026-quarter-finalsts-reliance-top-scorer\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/02190227\/feature_image-x-3-purple-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"World Cup quarter-finalist goalscorers\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-2026-quarter-finalsts-reliance-top-scorer\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Every World Cup 2026 quarter-finalist ranked by reliance on their top goalscorer                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">3 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/alexander-isak-analysis-liverpool-andoni-iraola\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/08132341\/AlexanderIsak08072026_ID3EBB226-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/alexander-isak-analysis-liverpool-andoni-iraola\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Liverpool analysis: Why Andoni Iraola needs to avoid Darwin Nunez deja vu with Alexander Isak                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/sammcguire\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Sam McGuire                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">3 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-2026-distance-travelled-08-07-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/01111019\/predictions_article-16x9-2026-07-01T111009.322-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-2026-distance-travelled-08-07-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    World Cup 2026: Which nation will travel the furthest distance this summer?                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/andrewfrancis\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Andy Francis                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">3 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Aston Villa\u2019s current six-game winning run is the longest in the Premier League this season. After a rocky start to the campaign, Villa are flying. Indeed, the Villans failed to win their opening five league matches. A heavy home defeat to Crystal Palace suggested the Midlands side were in for a long season. Yet after&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3564,"featured_media":1419406,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Boubacar Kamara analysis: How Aston Villa\u2019s midfield anchor has driven Emery\u2019s side to a six-game winning run and Premier League title contention.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1419403","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Boubacar Kamara analysis: The defensive anchor powering Aston Villa\u2019s Premier League surge | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Boubacar Kamara analysis: How Aston Villa\u2019s midfield anchor has driven Emery\u2019s side to a six-game winning run and Premier League title contention.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Boubacar Kamara analysis: The defensive anchor powering Aston Villa\u2019s Premier League surge\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Boubacar Kamara analysis: How Aston Villa\u2019s midfield anchor has driven Emery\u2019s side to a six-game winning run and Premier League title contention.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Squawka | EN\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SquawkaFootballNews\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-16T12:42:45+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122730\/BoubacarKamara16122025_3D1617P-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@squawka\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Ben McAleer\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/d83177c024444113f28c89f65fde90b4\"},\"headline\":\"Boubacar Kamara analysis: The defensive anchor powering Aston Villa\u2019s Premier League surge\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-12-16T12:38:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-16T12:42:45+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/\"},\"wordCount\":944,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122730\/BoubacarKamara16122025_3D1617P-scaled.jpg\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"accessibilityFeature\":[\"tableOfContents\"]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/\",\"name\":\"Boubacar Kamara analysis: The defensive anchor powering Aston Villa\u2019s Premier League surge | Squawka | EN\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122730\/BoubacarKamara16122025_3D1617P-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-12-16T12:38:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-16T12:42:45+00:00\",\"description\":\"Boubacar Kamara analysis: How Aston Villa\u2019s midfield anchor has driven Emery\u2019s side to a six-game winning run and Premier League title contention.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122730\/BoubacarKamara16122025_3D1617P-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122730\/BoubacarKamara16122025_3D1617P-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1707,\"caption\":\"3D1617P Birmingham, UK. 26th Oct, 2025. Boubacar Kamara of Aston Villa during the Aston Villa v Manchester City Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham, England on 26 October 2025 Credit: Dylan Hepworth\/Every Second Media Credit: Every Second Media\/Alamy Live News\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Squawka\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Features\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Boubacar Kamara analysis: The defensive anchor powering Aston Villa\u2019s Premier League surge\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/\",\"name\":\"Squawka | EN\",\"description\":\"Football News, Stats, and More...\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/d83177c024444113f28c89f65fde90b4\",\"name\":\"Ben McAleer\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ecc09a71c5a7a0a154f65a823b2d57f865ae282917ddd2eadc3272ff5a55348f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ecc09a71c5a7a0a154f65a823b2d57f865ae282917ddd2eadc3272ff5a55348f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Ben McAleer\"},\"description\":\"Ben has over 15 years\u2019 worth of experience in the world of football writing and has previously featured on The Guardian, The Independent, Sky Sports, The Irish Examiner, talksport, and more. Ben is, for his sins, a Tottenham fan with a soft spot for Barnet.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/x.com\/benmcaleer1\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/benmcaleer\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Boubacar Kamara analysis: The defensive anchor powering Aston Villa\u2019s Premier League surge | Squawka | EN","description":"Boubacar Kamara analysis: How Aston Villa\u2019s midfield anchor has driven Emery\u2019s side to a six-game winning run and Premier League title contention.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Boubacar Kamara analysis: The defensive anchor powering Aston Villa\u2019s Premier League surge","og_description":"Boubacar Kamara analysis: How Aston Villa\u2019s midfield anchor has driven Emery\u2019s side to a six-game winning run and Premier League title contention.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/","og_site_name":"Squawka | EN","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SquawkaFootballNews\/","article_modified_time":"2025-12-16T12:42:45+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1707,"url":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122730\/BoubacarKamara16122025_3D1617P-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@squawka","twitter_misc":{"Estimated reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/"},"author":{"name":"Ben McAleer","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/d83177c024444113f28c89f65fde90b4"},"headline":"Boubacar Kamara analysis: The defensive anchor powering Aston Villa\u2019s Premier League surge","datePublished":"2025-12-16T12:38:01+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-16T12:42:45+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/"},"wordCount":944,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122730\/BoubacarKamara16122025_3D1617P-scaled.jpg","inLanguage":"en-GB","accessibilityFeature":["tableOfContents"]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/","url":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/","name":"Boubacar Kamara analysis: The defensive anchor powering Aston Villa\u2019s Premier League surge | Squawka | EN","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122730\/BoubacarKamara16122025_3D1617P-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2025-12-16T12:38:01+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-16T12:42:45+00:00","description":"Boubacar Kamara analysis: How Aston Villa\u2019s midfield anchor has driven Emery\u2019s side to a six-game winning run and Premier League title contention.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122730\/BoubacarKamara16122025_3D1617P-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/16122730\/BoubacarKamara16122025_3D1617P-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1707,"caption":"3D1617P Birmingham, UK. 26th Oct, 2025. Boubacar Kamara of Aston Villa during the Aston Villa v Manchester City Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham, England on 26 October 2025 Credit: Dylan Hepworth\/Every Second Media Credit: Every Second Media\/Alamy Live News"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-praise\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Squawka","item":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Features","item":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Boubacar Kamara analysis: The defensive anchor powering Aston Villa\u2019s Premier League surge"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/","name":"Squawka | EN","description":"Football News, Stats, and More...","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/d83177c024444113f28c89f65fde90b4","name":"Ben McAleer","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ecc09a71c5a7a0a154f65a823b2d57f865ae282917ddd2eadc3272ff5a55348f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ecc09a71c5a7a0a154f65a823b2d57f865ae282917ddd2eadc3272ff5a55348f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Ben McAleer"},"description":"Ben has over 15 years\u2019 worth of experience in the world of football writing and has previously featured on The Guardian, The Independent, Sky Sports, The Irish Examiner, talksport, and more. Ben is, for his sins, a Tottenham fan with a soft spot for Barnet.","sameAs":["https:\/\/x.com\/benmcaleer1"],"url":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/benmcaleer\/"}]}},"yoast_title":"","yoast_description":"Boubacar Kamara analysis: How Aston Villa\u2019s midfield anchor has driven Emery\u2019s side to a six-game winning run and Premier League title contention.","yoast_keyword":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/features\/1419403","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/features"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/features"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3564"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/features\/1419403\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1419406"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1419403"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1419403"},{"taxonomy":"features-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/features-category?post=1419403"},{"taxonomy":"squawka-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/squawka-category?post=1419403"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}