Aston Villa saw out a controversial 0-0 draw with Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday night where plenty of players impressed.
The Birmingham outfit were unable to end their winless streak against the Old Lady as they picked up another point in their Champions League journey.
Villa fans felt aggrieved that Morgan Rogers’ winner didn’t stand after a controversial VAR decision ruled the late goal out.
However, now the dust has settled, the result will be seen as a great point as the end of the league table nears.
While Boubacar Kamara impressed against Juventus, another star who did equally as well was Matty Cash.
Matty Cash impresses in Champions League debut for Aston Villa
Kenan Yildiz of Juventus and Matty Cash of Aston Villa during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Aston Villa FC and J...
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
In recent times, Cash has been used as a bit of a scapegoat for Villa fans. The full-back is often seen as a weak point in Unai Emery’s starting line-up despite being regularly selected.
Cash was described as ‘public enemy number one’ ahead of the Tottenham game last month before he picked up a knock.
This is mainly down to the inconsistencies of the full-back. Cash can often be ‘reckless’ which has cost Villa points in the past.
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However, after returning from his injury, Cash made his Champions League debut against Juventus on Wednesday night where he impressed.
Up against some big names like Kenan Yildiz and Timothy Weah, the full-back was resilient.
According to WhoScored, defensively, Cash was excellent. He completed three tackles – the joint most in the game, 100% of his aerial duels, made one interception as well as two clearances.
On top of this, he completed 100% of his passes and made two dribbles – the third most in the game.
As a result of this, he was awarded a 7.2 rating, the third highest of any Villa player on the pitch.
Read more: Unai Emery’s verdict on Morgan Rogers’ controversial disallowed goal vs Juventus
Matty Cash is repaying Unai Emery’s trust
Matty Cash of Aston Villa looks on after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Aston Villa FC and Juventus at Villa Park...
Photo by Ryan Crockett/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
There is no doubt that Cash has gone through some sticky patches at Villa. The full-back has made multiple costly mistakes in the past.
However, through all of this, Emery has kept faith in the full-back and he is now starting to repay that trust.
Now, Cash must ensure that the performance was not a one-off and he takes the display into the next game against Chelsea.
A clean sheet as well will have likely helped improve the confidence of his fellow teammates at the back which could help get a result at Stamford Bridge.
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