Unai Emery has discussed the squad balance he is seeking at Aston Villa.
Unai Emery has bolstered his Aston Villa squad ahead of the new season. However, the Spanish coach has ruled out signing a new goalkeeper.
As quoted by Birmingham Live, Emery said, “we have two international goalkeepers. Robin Olsen is playing last year with us less matches, but I think he played very well…I want two players for each position. Goalkeeper is always two goalkeepers and one young. Then, two for each position and young players.”
Emiliano Martinez is the undisputed No. 1 at Villa Park. The World Cup-winning Argentine was in fine form last season. Olsen was also relatively solid in his absence. However, there will be more pressure on the Midlands club to perform this year. They were one of the surprise packages of last season, securing Europa Conference League qualification.
Emery puts his faith in Olsen
Emery will be keen to ensure that his side maintain their Premier League progress, whilst also seriously competing to win the European title that West Ham have just lifted. Olsen will need to be able to rise to the occasion if called upon.
Olsen joined Aston Villa on a permanent basis last summer for a fee of £3 million, following a short loan spell with the club. The 33-year-old’s confidence will certainly be boosted following this public show of confidence from his manager. The 66-cap Sweden international may well be called upon to repay that faith at a crucial point this season.
Villa fans will also be heartened to hear that Emery is keen to give the club’s young talents a chance. The likes of Cameron Archer, Jaden Philogene, and Aaron Ramsey may well get an opportunity to make an impact for the first team this season. That, on top of the recent acquisitions of Moussa Diaby, Youri Tielemans, and Pau Torres mean that there’s plenty of optimism at Aston Villa right now. The Villans certainly seem to be heading in the right direction under Emery.
