Aston Villa line up “one of the best wing-backs in Europe” to replace Cash.
In the January transfer window, Unai Emery is eager to upgrade the right back position.
This season, Aston Villa has surpassed all expectations, and their victory over Burnley last weekend (3–2) was their 13th in 20 Premier League games.
After that outcome, Unai Emery’s team is now three points behind Liverpool at the top of the standings.
The Spaniard wants to add to his team in January, and he has his sights set on a new right back, despite the team’s early accomplishments.
Aston Villa transfers latest – Jeremie Frimpong
According to The Athletic, Aston Villa are interested in signing a new right back, with Jeremie Frimpong among those heavily linked.
The Bayer Leveruksen star, who has been labelled “one of the best wing-backs in Europe” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, reportedly has a £34m release clause in his contract.
The large fee makes the move difficult to complete in January, as Leverkusen will also not want to sell the defender in the middle of a title charge.
How Jeremie Frimpong compares to Matty Cash
Matty Cash started the season as the first-choice right-back for Aston Villa, but over time, Emery has shown his willingness to field the Poland international as a right midfielder in his 4-4-2 variant.
This gives us a glimpse into the future, as Ezri Konsa has often filled in at right back when this is the case. However, if Frimpong were to join, he would make that right midfield role his own, just like he has at Leverkusen this campaign.
The former Nottingham Forest star would be second choice in both places with Konsa seemingly the long-term right-back and Frimpong eventually taking over Cash’s role going forward, which might spell the end for his Villa career.
Still, let’s examine Cash’s performance this season against that of his possible successor based on statistics from their respective leagues.
Compared to Cash, who is a balanced defender who enjoys winning possession of the ball, Frimpong is obviously a lot more aggressive player because of his low defensive stats and lack of defensive duty in Xabi Alonso’s three-back formation.
If Emery was to acquire the Dutch star, he would field him in that attacking 4-4-2 role, which means the more defensive Konsa at right-back, who is a centre-half by trade, will provide cover.
Frimpong is one of the most dangerous attacking wingbacks in the world, and as a result, he would form an excellent relationship with Ollie Watkins.
The 23-year-old uses his immense speed and quick feet to weave his way past defenders, and he is also incredible at carrying the ball forward. This is highlighted by his successful take-on statistics and progressive carries, for which he ranks in the top 5% and 1%, respectively, for fullbacks in the Bundesliga.
Not only does he provide endless creativity, but he has the output to back it up.
In just 22 appearances this season, Frimpong has tallied seven goals and eleven assists, demonstrating his ability to elevate Villa’s assault. Clearly a more conservative full-back than Cash, he has double the threat going forward.
Therefore, Cash would greatly benefit from the possible signing of Frimpong, particularly in that offensive capacity.
The Netherlands star would be a perfect fit for that role and Emery’s philosophy, and Villa has already shown this season that they can overcome opposition to get Moussa Diaby, a star player from Leverkusen. Frimpong would be well worth his entire estimated value.
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