Aston Villa’s problems defensively this term have caused people to worry about their trip to Chelsea on Sunday, with the hosts in great form.
The Villans are on a winless run of seven matches in the league, a career first for Unai Emery, while only keeping one Premier League clean sheet.
Aston Villa have also conceded the joint-sixth most goals in the top flight (19), with only Brentford, Ipswich, Leicester City, Southampton and Wolves shipping more.
Stan Collymore outlined his concerns for Villa’s high line after they were punished twice by Crystal Palace on the counter-attack in a 2-2 draw.
Similarly, Paul Merson has spoken about Villa’s shaky defence in his pre-match preview, where he hinted at how Emery can shut down Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.
Boubacar Kamara of Aston Villa during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Aston Villa FC and Juventus at Villa Park o...
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Unai Emery must deploy Boubacar Kamara to shut down Cole Palmer
Some Villa fans will be fearing the worst when their team visit Stamford Bridge. Palmer is just one of many attacking talents Enzo Maresca possesses, although he is by far the most important.
Since last season, the 22-year-old has developed into a world-beater at Chelsea, decimating defences with his incredible vision, skill, passing and deadly finishing.
Cole Palmer vs Aston Villa attackers (Premier League) Goals Assists
Cole Palmer 7 5
Ollie Watkins 6 3
Morgan Rogers 3 2
Jhon Duran 4 0
Palmer has shown no signs of slowing down, either, after recording an eye-watering seven goals and five assists in his first 12 league games this term.
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The England international is in the form of his life and it will take something special to shut him down but luckily, Emery has the answer in the shape of Boubacar Kamara.
Kamara returned from injury in last night’s Champions League tie against Juventus, and the Frenchman was all over the pitch, shutting their attacks down while adding control to Villa’s midfield.
With six duels won, two tackles and an 83% pass completion, Kamara ran the show, and he’s now ready to battle against one of the Premier League’s best.
Kamara’s unique attribute for Aston Villa
It feels as though, even when Amadou Onana returns from injury, Kamara has to start in midfield for Villa’s defence not to struggle.
The 25-year-old is brilliant at reading the game, often timing his tackles to perfection and he’s a destroyer of counter-attacks.
Being countered by teams has been Villa’s kryptonite this term, but having the Frenchman there to sweep up possession is invaluable.
Further, Kamara is the only defensive-minded midfielder Emery has, and his ball-winning attributes will be crucial to not just their chances of beating Chelsea, but also fulfilling their seasonal objectives.
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