Some were left by surprise when Aston Villa allowed Enzo Barrenechea to leave on a season-long loan to Valencia this summer.
Barrenechea was part of the Douglas Luiz deal, which also included Samuel Iling-Junior, who was also loaned out to Serie A side, Bologna.
Given that Villa were losing such a key figure in Luiz, and then allowing two of those players to head out on loan, it raised the argument about how Juventus got the better end of the deal.
But those in the Midlands had no choice but to sell, especially with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and Financial Fair Play (FFP) hovering above their heads.
Fast forward to the present, Aston Villa have started the Premier League season strongly and they aren’t missing Luiz yet.
Whilst Emery was orchestrating another comeback win at the weekend, Barrenechea was handed his first La Liga start by struggling Valencia.
The Spanish giants were winless and sitting bottom of the table, with Champions League side Girona visiting their shores.
Enzo Barrenechea helps Valencia pick up first La Liga win against Girona
The 23-year-old played 68 minutes for Ruben Baraja’s side, with Valencia scoring both of their goals in the space of a few minutes in the second half.
The Villa loanee was handed a rating of 6.95 by WhoScored, making three tackles, one clearance, and one key pass from his 28.
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Girona had most of the ball – nearly 70% – but Valencia were ruthless and efficient when going forward, including not allowing their opponents to have too many chances.
Players like Barrenechea protected the defensive third very well – Girona had eight shots at goal from 67% possession – and now it’s about trying to push Valencia away from the danger zone.
Aston Villa’s midfield
When you look at Villa’s midfield, it’s no surprise that Barrenechea was loaned out because even Ross Barkley can’t start a game.
Barkley has been outstanding every time he comes off the bench, Amadou Onana was Villa’s Player of the Month for August and Youri Tielemans has probably been Villa’s best player overall.
They are all midfielders and not even mentioning Boubacar Kamara who is back in full training and one of the first names on the team sheet when he is ready to play again.
