“One of the best right-backs in Europe” is lined up by Aston Villa to take Cash’s spot
In the January transfer window, Unai Emery is eager to upgrade the right back position.
This season, Aston Villa has risen above all expectations; their victory over Burnley this weekend, which ended in a
score of 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.
The most recent Aston Villa move, Jeremie Frimpong
The Athletic claims that Jeremie Frimpong is one of the right backs that Aston Villa is strongly linked to signing.
According to reports, the Bayer Leveruksen player has a £34 million release clause in his contract. Football Talent
Scout Jacek Kulig has called him “one of the best wing-backs in Europe.”
It will be challenging to conclude the transfer in January due to the high cost because Leverkusen will not want to
sell the defender in the midst of a title challenge.
How Matty Cash and Jeremie Frimpong are similar
Although Matty Cash was Aston Villa’s first-choice right-back during the season, Emery has demonstrated that he is
ready to use the Poland international
as a right midfielder in his 4-4-2 formation.
Since Ezri Konsa has frequently filled in at right back when this is the case, it offers us a glimpse into the future. But
like he has done at Leverkusen this season, Frimpong would claim that right midfield position if he were to come.
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.
Cash vs Frimpong Stats | ||
---|---|---|
Stats (per 90) | Cash | Frimpong |
Goals | 0.14 | 0.34 |
Assists | 0.07 | 0.41 |
Key passes | 0.50 | 1.92 |
Shot-creating actions | 1.71 | 3.08 |
Progressive carries | 2.63 | 6.10 |
Succesful take-ons | 0.50 | 1.78 |
Tackles | 2.56 | 0.89 |
Stats via FBref |
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.
The more defensive Konsa at right-back—a center-half by trade—will give insurance if Emery were to sign the Dutch
star, who would be used in that attacking 4-4-2 role.
Frimpong would have a great rapport with Ollie Watkins because he is one of the world’s most dangerous attacking
wingbacks.
The 23-year-old is a fantastic ball carrier who can swerve past opponents with his lightning-fast feet and tremendous
pace. His impressive take-on stats and progressive carries—for which he ranks in the top 1% and 5% of all fullbacks
in the Bundesliga, respectively—emphasize this.
He not only offers boundless creativity, but he also produces work to support it. In just 22 appearances this season,
Frimpong has racked up 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 a
great investment.
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