The decision to let a player leave can usually be a difficult one for a manager, and Unai Emery has experienced that first-hand at Aston Villa.
Star midfielder Douglas Luiz was sold to Juventus in the summer to prevent Aston Villa from breaching PSR rules.
Luiz’s sale was followed by the shock departure of record-signing Moussa Diaby, who joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in a lucrative move.
Aston Villa also let several players leave on loan, including forgotten star Philippe Coutinho, left-back Alex Moreno and electric winger Samuel Iling-Junior, to name a few.
But one player who remained at Villa Park beyond the window despite interest has now heaped praise on Unai Emery.
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Lamare Bogarde hails Unai Emery a ‘genius’ after blocking transfer
Lamare Bogarde is one youngster who spent the previous two campaigns out on loan at League One side Bristol Rovers, with the 20-year-old flourishing in the third tier.
The Dutchman was expected to leave on loan for a third year running but when Bogarde starred during pre-season, he had hopes of making a first-team breakthrough.
That soon arrived in the 2-1 win over Leicester City, as he started in place of the injured Matty Cash before making his Champions League debut a few weeks later in a 1-0 victory over Young Boys.
It could have been a whole lot different for the versatile defender had Emery sanctioned a move however, Bogarde has now labelled his manager a ‘genius’ after sticking to his word of not loaning him.
Speaking to Voetbal Primeur, he said: “I had already talked to clubs, but when we put that down at Villa, Emery said: he’s with us now, I want to see him at work.’
“Emery is a man of his word, because he really gave his chance. If I had to describe him with one word, I think it would be ‘football genius’. He really loves the game. He analyzes every game to the second and is really obsessed with football. He knows what he’s doing, and you can really see that.”
Bogarde’s 2024/25 statistics
Bogarde perhaps remained at Villa Park this term as Emery failed to sign a new right-back but when Cash has been absent, he’s earned a few chances to shine.
Naturally a centre-back or defensive midfielder, the 2004-born talent has showcased his versatility by slotting in on the right, and he’s largely done a decent job.
Despite not featuring in the Premier League since mid-September, the youngster has looked solid from a defensive capacity and his statistics speak volumes.
| Lamare Bogarde Premier League stats 2024/25 | Statistic |
| Appearances | 2 |
| Interceptions per game | 0.5 |
| Tackles per game | 4 |
| Balls recovered per game | 3 |
| Accurate passes per game | 86% |
| Big chances created | 1 |
Whether some people disagree or not, Bogarde working under Emery in the first team has done wonders for his development, learning more than he would if he spent another campaign in the EFL.
Bogarde has tested himself against top-level opposition and largely stood his ground, which certainly bodes well for the future.
