Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best in one area, showcasing just how much the Frenchman has improved under Unai Emery.
Aston Villa have seen a host of players find their best form under Unai Emery.
From Leon Bailey to John McGinn, the Spaniard has squeezed the best out of the players he inherited from Steven Gerrard’s squad, with one star completely turning things around this season.
In the summer, it was widely speculated that Lucas Digne would leave Villa to return to France after failing to perform in the Midlands.
Now, the 30-year-old has become one of the manager’s most important players, providing a constant threat down the left flank when he is in action.
The revival of Lucas Digne at Aston Villa
After the arrival of Alex Moreno was announced in January 2023, it looked clear that Digne’s future would be away from Villa Park with Emery recruiting another left-back capable of being in the starting XI.
Instead, the Frenchman reclaimed the position and has particularly revived his career at the club this season due to his consistency.
Having made 18 starts in the Premier League this term, the former Everton defender is one of the Villans’ top creators despite being fielded far away from the front line.
Averaging 1.5 key passes and 1.5 crosses per game in the league, via WhoScored, Digne has really shown his worth, adhering to Emery’s preference to get his full-backs involved in the final third.
The statistic that Lucas Digne tops the Premier League charts in
It’s not only at Aston Villa that the France international has impressed this season, with him also topping the Premier League charts in one area.
Despite only starting 18 of Villa’s 25 Premier League games in the 2023/24 calendar, no player has recorded more crosses from open play than Digne this season.
With 94 crosses from open play already under his belt, the Villa defender leads the way, with Fulham whiz Antonee Robinson in second in the rankings with 88 crosses, courtesy of figures displayed during Sky Sports match coverage.
Earlier this season, the 30-year-old was praised by Emery for his progression in the squad, signalling just how highly the former Barcelona defender is now rated at Villa Park.
“His commitment, his behaviour, his performance has grown. I’m very happy with him and he’s a very good example for our younger players.”
During the summer, not many could have predicted just how much Digne’s performances would grow, with him now providing an assured presence at left-back to cement him as a starter once more.
