Aston Villa made a really solid transfer window, with various top-class players arriving at the club.
Youri Tielemans on a free was excellent business, while they also managed to secure Pau Torres’ signature.
Moussa Diaby came from Bayer Leverkusen for what is a club record fee too.
But the final big signing to arrive has the potential to be the best of all, if he can find his best form.
He hasn’t managed to get much minutes in the Premier League so far, but this could and probably should be about to change.
Zaniolo deserves to start
Villa were delighted to secure Nicolo Zaniolo’s arrival on loan, a player who Danielle De Rossi once praised as having the potential to become a ‘great‘.
Zaniolo arrived and instantly bolstered the club’s attacking and midfield options with his decisive quality in the final third.
Having played 17 minutes against Burnley, Unai Emery upped it to 25 minutes at Anfield as the Italian gradually builds up his fitness.
He has in both games had a positive impact and his quality is easy to see when he has the ball.
In 25 minutes over the weekend as shown by SofaScore, Zaniolo made 75% of his passes which included a key pass too.
He also displayed his strengthen and suitability to the Premier League, winning three duels and completing a dribble.
He also contributed defensively with a clearance and interception.
Showing he is all-round ready, not just on the ball will be huge in Emery’s decision to begin starting his Italian maestro.
The only question unanswered is where does he start, given Villa don’t play a traditional attacking midfielder.
He’s featured on the left and right since arriving, with John McGinn and Leon Bailey both likely on the chopping block.
We do think however Zaniolo should come in and replace McGinn on the left for starting games.
For the sole reason, when coming up against a higher quality opposition, McGinn doesn’t look up to scratch.
