There’s a good feeling surrounding Aston Villa at the moment, with Unai Emery’s side just outside the top four.
The defeat to Manchester United was setback, with Scott McTominay’s late winner enough for Erik ten Hag’s side to take all three points.
Nevertheless, Aston Villa are in an excellent position, five points clear of United, who occupy sixth position. Emery’s attention will be fixed on securing his side European football for next season.
But, the Spaniard would be wise to cast one eye ahead to what could be a summer of change in the West Midlands.
If Villa secure Europa League football at the very least, the squad will once again need to be assessed, and one position stands out.
Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno represent Emery’s left-back options. On paper, the pair are excellent for a side pushing in the top seven of the Premier League.
However, with Digne now 30 and attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, the Frenchman’s future could be in some doubt.
As for Moreno, the Spaniard signed for Villa in January 2023 but has been restricted to just six starts this season. Emery seems to favour Digne, with the Frenchman catching the eye in recent months.
With Moreno also approaching 30, looking to utilise a new left-back during the 2024/25 season could be on Emery’s mind.
Many fans will initially look to the transfer market; however, Villa may already have their first-choice left back on their books.
Lino Sousa can solve Unai Emery Aston Villa headache
Lino Sousa could be the answer to Aston Villa’s left-back problem.
The 19-year-old was signed on deadline day, before being loaned out to Plymouth Argyle for the remainder of the season.
Sousa made his debut for Ian Foster’s team during Argyle’s 1-0 win over Swansea, and was also given a run out during the 3-1 defeat to Sunderland.
“He’s a really exciting player with huge potential and I think you can see why the likes of Arsenal and Aston Villa have taken him,” Foster told Plymouth’s official website.
With the left-back likely to feature more between now and the end of the season, Emery must be considering including him within his first team plans come the start of the next campaign.
The former Arsenal youngster suits Villa’s style of play, with some strong attacking attributes.
Foster added: “He’ll come in, in competition on the left-hand side of the pitch. He’s got a lovely left foot; he’s athletic; he can handle the ball in tight areas; he can defend in 1v1 situations and he’s good in the final phase as well.”
Sousa’s progress is one to keep a close eye on between now and the end of the season.
