Aston Villa’s international players are set to return to Bodymoor Heath injury-free and on the back of more healthy performances.
On the one hand, it’s great to see so many Aston Villa players performing on such a big stage, but on the other, you would prefer them to rest.
Unai Emery has a big squad to pick from, but as of this moment, in terms of changing players to rotate for freshness, he hasn’t really done that yet and he needs to start soon because of the gruelling fixture list.
Perhaps that will kick in from this weekend because the team have some huge games coming up, from Champions League matches to trips to Tottenham and Anfield.
One of the areas to watch out for is the left-back spot, with Lucas Digne currently the number one guy and summer signing Ian Maatsen behind him.
Maatsen can’t argue too much about only starting one game because Digne has been outstanding for Villa and it’s going to take a lot to dethrone him from the XI.
That included Digne helping France beat Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday, with Youri Tielemans proceeding to miss a penalty.
It wasn’t so long ago that Digne lost his spot in the French national team, but now he is back and looking better than ever.
The 31-year-old expressed his delight on Instagram at helping his nation to another win, with Barcola Bradley and Moussa Diaby reacting in the comments section.
Lucas Digne’s strong form continues as France beat Belgium
Barcola Bradley labelled the Villa man as the ‘big boss’, with supporters lauding him for putting in another top display.
Whilst Diaby, who left Villa in the summer to move to the Saudi Pro League, sent fire emojis to his fellow countryman.
Lucas Digne playing the best football of his career
Steven Gerrard didn’t do much right at Villa, but one thing you can thank him for is bringing Digne to the club.
In fact, he did well with two France internationals – Digne and also signing Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer because he has been equally as impressive, as he was proving pre-injury.
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But, as for the former Everton man on the left flank, it has to be said that he is flying and doing a lot of things right.
Digne is playing the best football of his career right now and it just proves the type of genius Emery is because he can improve players at any stage of their careers.
