One Aston Villa player has been warned of one significant challenge that awaits him ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League opener.
Unai Emery and Monchi have welcomed five players to Villa Park already this summer, as the duo bid to bolster the squad.
Aston Villa have started their preparation for the upcoming 2024/25 season, where the Midlands club will participate in the Champions League.
Just like last campaign, there will be many hurdles for the Villans to overcome to ensure progression, with one issue now highlighted ahead of the opening day.
Enzo Barrenechea warned of Premier League task ahead of Aston Villa season opener
One new arrival could have a significant role to play in the upcoming season, as Enzo Barrenechea looks to fill the void in midfield.
The 23-year-old signed from Juventus as part of Douglas Luiz’s move to Turin, arriving at Villa Park with a role to quickly assume.
With Luiz gone and Boubacar Kamara injured, Emery is expected to utilise Barrenechea to his advantage, with there hope he can withstand the pressure.
One figure who has questions over the Argentine’s suitability for the Premier League is journalist John Townley, who admitted the summer arrival has a ‘horrible’ task to overcome against West Ham.
Talking on the Claret and Blue podcast about what Barrenechea can offer Emery, Townley shared his concern at how long it may take the 23-year-old to adapt.
“I definitely like his profile, of players of his age, he stood out amongst the best in terms of his numbers, everything you want from a Kamara replacement is in Enzo.
“But, if he plays against West Ham, the land of giants, 6 foot 4 players everywhere, that game is going to be horrible and I don’t know if it’s going to be for him straight away.
“It’s a different level altogether the Premier League and adapting to it.”
While Townley’s support of the Argentine is clear, his reservations ring true, with Kamara’s void a significant gap to fill given that Barrenechea has only played one season at senior level in his career.
Barrenechea adaptation period will be crucial to Villa
Experience is key when it comes to playing in the Premier League however, not every player requires knowledge of the league to flourish.
Last term, Barrenechea spent the season on loan with Serie A side Frosinone, which at 23 years old, represented his first full campaign at senior level.
Ordinarily, there would be no concern over a new arrival’s experience, however, given the desperate need that Emery currently has for a defensive midfielder, the Argentine may need to fast-track his adaptation period.
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Depending on how the midfielder adapts during pre-season, the Villa boss will have a decision to make on whether he starts the Juventus prospect against the physical monster of West Ham.
That being said, Barrenechea’s quality is unquestionable, seeing him lauded as ‘intelligent’ for his efforts last season by analyst Ben Mattinson.
If the Argentine is unable to prove to Emery that he should start on the opening day, the Spaniard will be back to square one when reviewing his options to start in defensive midfield.
