Aston Villa FC have undertaken a significant recruitment rebuild this summer, strategically focusing on data analysis and statistics to strengthen their squad for the upcoming 2024/25 EPL season.
With a clear ambition to secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League, the club has leveraged a comprehensive approach to data, ensuring that each new signing aligns with their tactical vision and performance objectives.
This Aston Villa recruitment analysis provides some tactical analysis of how Aston Villa’s data-driven transfer strategy positions them as strong contenders in the league, highlighting their calculated moves in the transfer market.
Aston Villa Potential Issues For 2023/24 Premier League
One of the most significant challenges Aston Villa faced during the 2023/24 Premier League season was a relentless injury crisis that severely impacted their campaign.
However, they still managed to fight out a fourth-place finish due to Unai Emery’s coaching.
Aston Villa faced 39 injuries during the EPL season, putting them fifth on the list for the most amount of injuries during the EPL season.
Key players were sidelined for extended periods, disrupting the team’s rhythm and forcing the manager to constantly shuffle the lineup.
Villa struggled to maintain consistency, particularly during the crucial stages of the season, exposing the lack of squad depth.
Injuries to pivotal players in both defence and attack left the team vulnerable, leading to dropped points in matches where they were otherwise competitive.
This ongoing injury turmoil not only affected Villa’s on-field performances but also highlighted the need for a more robust and resilient squad, a factor that has heavily influenced their recruitment strategy in the current transfer window.
Aston Villa Vision For 2024/25 EPL Season
For the upcoming 2024/25 season, Aston Villa has set a clear vision to address the issues that plagued their previous campaign.
Recognising the lack of squad depth that left them vulnerable during their injury crisis, the club has prioritised adding physicality and versatility to their roster.
A key aspect of this strategy involves recruiting players who can operate effectively as wingers while also being capable of dropping back to fulfil roles as wing-backs or full-backs when necessary.
This dual-role ability is seen as essential not only for providing cover in the event of injuries but also for offering tactical flexibility during matches.
Hence the signings of Samuel Iling-Junior (€14m from Juventus), Jaden Philogene (€16m from Hull City), and Ian Maatsen (€44.5m from Chelsea), who can all play across every width position, either as full-backs or wingers, with Iling-Junior and Philogene primarily being wingers, and Maatsen serving as the versatile full-back.
As for their midfield recruitment strategy, the club aimed to add depth and physicality to their midfield after the loss of Douglas Luiz (€51.5m to Juventus), who was the heart of their midfield.
Aston Villa signed a young talent who can play as a number 6 in Enzo Barrenechea (€8m from Juventus) and added physicality and height with the acquisitions of Amadou Onana (€59.35m from Everton) and Ross Barkley (€5.9m from Luton Town).
By bolstering these areas, Villa aims to ensure that they have the depth and adaptability required to compete at the top level throughout the season, all while maintaining their attacking threat from wide positions.
Aston Villa Transfers – OUT
This transfer window had Aston Villa losing two very important players, but with the addition to the big price tags with them, Aston Villa were able to buy multiple players to replace each position.
Aston Villa’s net spend after purchasing Jaden Philogene, Ian Maatsen, and Samuel Iling-Junior and selling Moussa Diaby is negative €14.5m, which is great business when you are getting three players on the width for the sale of one player.
Aston Villa’s net spend after selling Douglas Luiz and purchasing Ross Barkley, Amadou Onana, and Enzo Barrenechea is €21.75m.
Aston Villa Transfers – IN
Aston Villa made several key signings to reinforce their squad after significant departures.
Ross Barkley (€5.9m) and Amadou Onana (€59.35m) were added to strengthen the midfield with physicality and experience.
Samuel Iling-Junior (€14m) and Jaden Philogene (€16m) bring versatility on the wings, capable of playing both in attack and as wing-backs.
Ian Maatsen (€44.5m) offers flexibility as a full-back, and Enzo Barrenechea (€8m) provides depth in the defensive midfield role.
These additions are designed to address key areas and enhance the team’s overall depth.
Aston Villa New Signings 2024/25
Jaden Philogene Scouting Report
Jaden Philogene has a unique profile.
He is a two-footed winger who loves to play with his opponent, a 1v1 duelist, and a chaos-causer.
During his time at Hull City, he scored 12 goals and six assists in 32 matches and played 2806 minutes.
Jaden Philogene belongs to the same archetype of wingers as Rafa Leão, which is characterised by physical frames built for attacking space and technical traits that allow them to excel in tight areas.
Below is the player radar chart, showing he ranks very highly in key winger attributes: 96th percentile for shots per 90, 93rd percentile for dribbles per 90, and 84th percentile for touches in the opponent’s penalty box.
He ranks lower in the passing categories, such as the 65th percentile for progressive passes, 44th percentile for dangerous passes, 60th percentile for accurate pass rate, and 53rd percentile for overall passes per 90.
Samuel Iling-Junior Scouting Report
Samuel Iling-Junior is a versatile left-sided player capable of operating as both a full-back and a winger.
At Juventus, he recorded 1 goal and two assists in 810 minutes, showcasing his attacking potential from deeper positions.
His pace, acceleration, and athleticism make him a dynamic presence on the flank, whether driving forward or defending.
Iling-Junior excels in 1v1 situations, using his dribbling and ball control to beat opponents.
While primarily a full-back at Juventus, his ability to push higher up the pitch adds valuable flexibility to the squad, and his off-the-ball movement is elite in defensive positions.
According to his player radar chart, Iling-Junior ranks in the 87th percentile for goal contributions per 90 and the 77th percentile for expected goal contributions, highlighting his offensive impact.
His dribbling ability is notable, placing him in the 74th percentile for dribbles per 90, and he’s strong in touches inside the opponent’s penalty area (68th percentile).
While his passing metrics, such as progressive passes (48th percentile) and dangerous passes (43rd percentile), show room for growth, his overall profile makes him a valuable addition to Aston Villa’s squad.
Ian Maatsen Scouting Report
Ian Maatsen is a promising left-back who fits well into Aston Villa’s attacking system.
While at Borussia Dortmund, Maatsen contributed two goals and two assists in 1,264 minutes over 16 games.
His 53.5% tackle win rate and 88% pass completion rate highlight his reliability in both defensive and possession-based situations.
Maatsen’s strengths lie in his excellent link-up passing and quick dribbling, making him a key figure in Villa’s attacking transitions.
His player radar shows strong passing performances, ranking him in the 86th percentile for passes per 90 and the 82nd percentile for accurate passes.
He also ranks in the 72nd percentile for progressive passes, reflecting his ability to advance play from deeper positions.
While his attacking output could see improvement, with a 63rd percentile in goal contributions per 90, Maatsen’s overall profile makes him a strong addition to Villa’s left flank, particularly in their forward-thinking approach.
Amadou Onana Scouting Report
Amadou Onana style of play is a commanding presence in the midfield, bringing both physicality and intelligence to Aston Villa’s setup.
Last season at Everton, he played 30 matches totalling 2,091 minutes, where his defensive prowess was on full display.
Onana averaged 3.06 tackles per game with a 50% tackle win rate, and he excelled in aerial duels with a 74.3% success rate, making him a vital asset for set-piece defence and box defending—critical areas of focus for Villa this summer.
Onana will be crucial in providing zonal marking for his team, either as a single pivot or double pivot.
He will hold the defensive line and attacking line together and maintain compactness when sitting in a mid-block.
Onana also contributes effectively in possession, boasting an 84.1% pass completion rate and covering 59.3 yards per 90 minutes in progressive carries.
His ability to hold down the midfield as a single pivot or double pivot showcases his versatility and tactical awareness.
Ranking in the 91st percentile for aerial duels won and the 63rd percentile for goal contributions per 90, Onana adds both defensive solidity and a potential threat in the opposition’s box.
This signing addresses multiple needs for Aston Villa.
He offers both defensive stability and the ability to control the tempo of the game, making him a crucial addition to their midfield.
Ross Barkley Scouting Report
Ross Barkley brings experience and versatility to Aston Villa’s midfield.
Last season at Luton Town, Barkley played 32 games, accumulating 2,618 minutes with a notable contribution of 5 goals and four assists.
His 82.6% pass completion rate and ability to generate 104 shot-creating actions (3.58 per 90 minutes) underline his effectiveness in the attacking third.
Barkley excels in dribbling, passing range, and physicality, making him a well-rounded midfielder capable of influencing games both offensively and defensively.
His radar chart shows strong performances in attacking metrics, ranking in the 91st percentile for shots per 90 and the 80th percentile for goal contributions per 90.
His progressive passing also stands out, placing him in the 77th percentile.
Barkley’s blend of technical skills, physical attributes, and experience makes him a pivotal addition to Villa’s midfield, providing both creativity and strength.
Enzo Barrenechea Scouting Report
Enzo Barrenechea is a promising young defensive midfielder who played 36 matches last season, accumulating 2,811 minutes.
Known for commanding deep possession, Barrenechea excels at letting the ball do the work, seamlessly switching play with both his right and left foot.
His ability to break lines and communicate through his passes makes him a key player in maintaining and progressing possession, even in tight spaces.
With an 85.3% pass completion rate, he consistently keeps the ball moving effectively, which is crucial for a player in his position.
He will be crucial in the build-up phase for Aston Villa.
While his radar chart may not appear the most impressive compared to more established players, it’s important to remember that Barrenechea is just stepping into top-flight football.
His metrics, such as an 85.5% aerial duels won rate, hint at his potential to grow into a commanding presence in the midfield.
His inventive play in small spaces and consistent ability to win half-duels indicate a player who is still developing but has the foundation to become a significant figure for Aston Villa in the future.
Enzo Barrenechea represents a project for the future, and his current performances suggest that he has all the tools needed to succeed at the highest level.
Conclusion
Aston Villa’s recruitment strategy for the 2024/2025 season reflects a club that has learned from past challenges and is determined to push forward with renewed vigour.
By addressing the key issues from the previous campaign, such as the lack of squad depth and the need for versatility, Villa has positioned itself as a serious contender for a top-four finish and a return to the UEFA Champions League.
The blend of experienced players and promising young talents acquired during this transfer window provides the team with the depth, physicality, and tactical flexibility required to navigate the demanding EPL season.
As these new signings integrate and adapt to the team’s vision, Aston Villa is set to build on its successes and compete at the highest level, all while staying true to its data-driven approach that has guided them so far.
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