There have been many standout performers for Aston Villa across a top-class 2023 but let’s take a look at who the ‘most improved’ are.
It has been a great calendar year for Aston Villa which has seen them end it sitting in second place in the Premier League.
With Unai Emery at the helm, it has been a truly special year which Villa fans are unlikely to forget in a hurry. This has seen them achieve Europa Conference League football and now go in search of a Champions League spot.
There have certainly been more positive than negative performances in 2023 and as a result, there is a lot to say. With that being said, who are Aston Villa’s three ‘most improved’ players of 2023?
Aston Villa ‘most improved’ players
Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins has been a very consistent player for Villa since his move from Brentford in 2020. According to FotMob, he has scored 16 in two of his three seasons at the club. By comparison, this campaign he already has 14 in 27 games such has been his form.
On top of this, he has registered the most assists in the Premier League in the 2023/24 season, at the time of writing. For a striker to have nine goals and eight assists in 20 matches, that record is quite amazing.
Despite already being one of the Villans’ better players in recent seasons, in 2023, he has taken his quality to a different level. He is certainly one of the most improved players in claret and blue.
Douglas Luiz
In a similar sense to Watkins, Douglas Luiz has been one of Villa’s best players over the past few seasons, when played in the correct position.
His goal output in recent months has gone up and according to FotMob has nine goal involvements in 19 league games. Although some have been penalties, he has shown plenty of steel to step up and take them in high-pressure scenarios.
Although he has been a good player for many seasons at Villa Park, this year he has certainly been one of the most improved.
Leon Bailey
It is safe to say that Leon Bailey has been one of, if not the most improved players for Aston Villa in the calendar year.
This season he has become an important player under Emery as he has registered 11 goal involvements. He has only started eight Premier League games which sees him have one of the best goal and assist per 90 ratios in the league.
His impact on the Villans this season has been huge and they look like a different team without him in the starting XI. Given his form in recent seasons, it is great to see his form go from strength to strength. He is well deserving of being named most improved.
