Unai Emery has plenty of problems to solve before the 2024/25 campaign, with one player’s stance needing to be addressed.
After securing Champions League football with a top-four finish last season, Aston Villa will be eyeing further progression this year.
Unai Emery’s side have gone from strength to strength following the manager’s arrival however, pre-season flagged up several concerns ahead of the new campaign.
From lack of attacking prowess to gaps in quality following the transfer window, the boss will hope to locate some clarity before the season opener against West Ham.
Unai Emery warned of Cameron Archer concern ahead of Aston Villa’s season opener
One issue that the Villans are still in the process of resolving is the future of Jhon Duran, whose presence at the club determines a lot.
If the Colombian is to stay, he will have to resolve the hostility between himself and supporters after disrespecting Villa on social media.
On the other hand, if Duran is to leave, Emery has another problem to see to, with only Cameron Archer available as an alternative to Ollie Watkins.
Speaking on the Claret and Blue podcast about the early signs of Archer on his return to Villa this summer, journalist John Townley raised his concerns about the forward.
When quizzed on whether Archer is capable of filling in for Watkins if needed in the near future, Townley said:
“This is why the Jhon Duran thing is so frustrating to me because I think Duran is the perfect backup in a football sense. Archer is a goalscorer, a poacher, he’s an incredible finisher but the link-up play, I haven’t seen it.
“Not saying he can’t do it but I haven’t seen it in pre-season games. He plays in a very different way to Duran even Watkins, to be honest, similar in the runs he makes but he doesn’t look very confident at the moment.”
Archer inconsistencies are a problem for Villa
When Archer was sold last summer to Sheffield United, not many would have expected to see the Bodymoor Heath graduate return so promptly.
The striker’s return to Villa came procedurally due to a relegation clause inserted into his contract with the Blades, giving Emery a decision to make once more over his future.
Over pre-season, the forward showcased his innate finishing ability, however, aside from his strength in front of goal, there was little to prove he is capable of replacing Duran or covering for Watkins.
Townley raised two concerns over the 22-year-old’s current position at the club, making Emery’s call even harder as Duran’s future hangs in the balance.
It will be fascinating to see where Archer’s future lies beyond deadline day, with there some reservations over whether he is ready to compete at the level Villa have reached.
