Aston Villa FC - Transfer news, results, fixtures, video and audio (original) (raw)

David Michael
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

When it comes to the Champions League, what should Aston Villa's true expectations be?

With a set of favourable away fixtures, they should progress through the extended league stage, where three wins and a couple of draws should be enough to secure advancement.

However, there are still questions about the team defensively, as they have now gone nine games without a clean sheet. If they can resolve that issue, Unai Emery's side could make a real impact in Europe.

The midfield axis of Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana, with Ross Barkley rotating in and out, is developing well.

John McGinn, Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey, and Emi Martinez are all clear assets, but the X-factor that could push Villa further than many expect might lie in the in-season development of Morgan Rogers and Jhon Duran. If both players can fast-track their progress, Villa could potentially have significant upside to their capabilities.

Rogers has been a force in the Premier League this season, ploughing through midfields and defences. Only a lack of composure in front of goal has prevented him from grabbing the headlines. That will come in time, and it will be fascinating to see how European teams cope with his directness and power.

Then, of course, there is Duran, who once again demonstrated against Everton that Emery's claim about the Colombian potentially becoming one of the world's best strikers is not just empty hyperbole.

As Monchi, Villa's director of football, mentioned in an interview last week: "He [Duran] thinks he is better than Watkins."

Duran has been frustrated by a lack of minutes, which he feels is hindering both his progress and potential earnings - hence his initial desire to force a move in the summer.

However, Villa have plenty of games ahead. Should they reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, they will play nine matches in December alone, suggesting Duran will get ample game time in rotation.

Come the business end of the Champions League, if Villa are still there and everyone is firing in unison, then Emery's men could be serious dark horses.

Find more from David Michael at My Old Man Said, external