Three new players joined the Aston Villa roster on Monday when Samuel Iling-Junior, Ross Barkley, and Enzo Barrenechea arrived at Bodymoor Heath.
The two players that docked from Turin after much discussion, along with Barkley’s vital experience, make up the trio.
Barrenechea’s background is more enigmatic, while Iling-Junior’s professional path is more well-known due to his rise through Chelsea’s academy; yet, the numbers only serve to highlight why Unai Emery was interested in signing him.
What Aston Villa arrival Enzo Barrenechea did better than Manchester City ace Rodri last season
For the 23-year-old, the 2023–24 season was critical since he played a successful Serie A season on loan at Frosinone.
The Argentine demonstrated his combative qualities while used as a defensive midfielder, earning the nickname “defensive monster” from scout Antonio Mango.
The star, who was born in 2001, excelled in many areas that were vital to his role in the Frosinone team. One of his skills allowed him to emerge as one of the top players in Serie A.
Barrenechea placed in the top 2% of midfielders in the Italian top division last season, averaging an incredible 7.40 ball recoveries per 90, according to FBref.
Manchester City star Rodri scored to highlight the Argentine’s outstanding performance level in such decimal
Barrenechea capture defines what Unai Emery needs at Villa
Even while the 23-year-old still has a ways to go before he can play as well as Rodri, the fundamentals make it clear why Emery was eager to sign him.
Although Barrenechea does not exactly match Douglas Luiz’s technical inventiveness, he does provide what Emery’s team sorely lacked in the previous campaign.
With Boubacar Kamara’s season-ending injury, Villa had less choices in defensive midfield, and Luiz’s shortcomings as a defender became apparent.
Barrenechea possesses the physical attributes to operate as a sweeper in front of Villa’s defence, as seen by his exceptional rate of ball recoveries per ninety last season.
Given that Kamara will be sidelined for a significant portion of 2024–2025, Monchi and Emery’s decision to hire the former Juventus starlet could prove to be a brilliant move.
Closing the transaction was an intriguing and significant one for the Villans, as it gives the midfield player a chance to prove his value in the Premier League.
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