Matty Cash is one player who has experienced perhaps more critics than plaudits during his time in an Aston Villa shirt.
Cash has appeared nine times in the Premier League for Aston Villa this term, missing the other five matches through injury.
Villa fans called for Cash to be replaced in the summer after struggling for form towards the back end of the campaign.
The Poland international has also produced some questionable moments this term. Cash conceded a penalty against West Ham in a 2-1 win.
He was also lucky not to concede another in the draw at home to Bournemouth after making contact with Antoine Semenyo in the box.
Despite Cash’s often clumsy moments in defence, Unai Emery has now made a remark that most Villa fans will disagree with.
Unai Emery says Matty Cash is better at defending than Ezri Konsa
This term, the 27-year-old has fended off competition from Ezri Konsa, Kosta Nedeljkovic and Lamare Bogarde to start at right-back.
Konsa is better utilised as a centre-back, while Bogarde and Nedeljkovic lack the experience and quality to push the former Nottingham Forest star for a place in the side.
Putting aside previous criticism, his form has improved in recent weeks, with Cash scoring in the win over Brentford on Wednesday night.
It was a fine volley into the back of the net that showcased his attacking prowess, although his defending often leaves much to be desired.
According to Emery, though, Cash is the best at defending and attacking in that position, even though Konsa is arguably Villa’s best defender.
“A very important player for us. With the way we play, Cash is one of the key players for us,” Emery said via Jacob Tanswell.
“We have tried to add other players to compete like Nedeljkovic and Konsa. “But the best player we have there to defend and attack on this side is Cash.”
Aston Villa’s January transfer window plans in defence
Many will disagree that Cash is the best right-back at defending, especially after watching Konsa put the Polish star to shame last season.
Nonetheless, he is the current preferred option in that role, and it leaves Nedeljkovic and Bogarde fighting for any opportunity.
Emery has said he’s open to letting Nedeljkovic leave on loan, which would be beneficial for his career, as he needs to be playing regular football.
Bogarde also nearly left Villa on loan in the summer before his manager pulled the plug on the deal and saw him as a vital part of his plans.
The 20-year-old has featured in the Champions League this term, starting in the 3-0 win over Young Boys, and should get further opportunities as the season progresses.
Villa could also target a right-back in the transfer window, perhaps supplying Cash with some senior competition and beefing out their options defensively.
