Aston Villa have been linked to Argentine full-back Gonzalo Montiel this week, the question is where would he fit into Unai Emery’s plans this season?
The Sevilla defender made 28 appearances last season, creating three goals in that time. As a solid defensive operator, he could be him an ideal option on the right hand side in the Villains’ system.
Montiel does have three years remaining on his contract in Seville, so it could cost up to £20 million to acquire his services.
Spanish news outlet Estadio Deportivo say that Villa’s President of Football Operations, Monchi, would do his former side a ‘favour’ in purchasing the right back.
His former side River Plate and ‘some clubs’ in the Russian League are allegedly chasing the defender’s signature, so it may not be a straightforward deal for Villa.
Who is Gonzalo Montiel?
You may know the reported Villa target better as the man who scored winning penalties in the World Cup and Europa League in the 2022/23 season, picking up his 11th and 12th major trophies as a professional.
Signing for Sevilla in August 2021, he cost Los Rojiblancos £11 million and has gone on to make 46 appearances.
He is a right-back who has the ability to get forward, but is also very adept at staying back and putting in a shift defensively.
Where would Montiel fit in at Villa?
Right-back has been a position that many fans have felt is missing from the Villa squad and needed addressing this summer. Links to Marc Pubil have also circulated, so it is something Emery and Monchi are looking at.
In pre-season, Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres have found themselves at right- and left-back respectively as they provide the defensive solidity Emery demands.
The issue this creates is that it takes away from the strength in depth at centre back for the Villains, especially as injuries take their toll throughout the season.
Montiel would be beneficial to the squad and could easily go toe-to-toe with Matty Cash for a starting birth.
With Alex Moreno or Lucas Digne flying down the left flank, a defensive minded right-back is a must, and the Argentine would fill this role.
He isn’t a one trick pony however, he profiles very similarly to Digne going forward. In many defensive metrics such as tackles won, blocks and interceptions, he beats out the French international.
This provides Emery with an element of surprise within his squad, being able to deploy an attacking minded full-back on either side would create dilemmas for opposition managers.
Moving forward in cup competitions, and particularly the Europa Conference league, a player confident from 12 yards in shootouts is a valuable asset and could be worth his weight in gold.
