Aston Villa signed Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott on deadline day at the start of the week
New Aston Villa winger Jadon Sancho
New Aston Villa winger Jadon Sancho(Image: PA)
Three Aston Villa players could make their debuts for the club next Saturday against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Victor Lindelöf is unlikely to feature unless injuries occur in Unai Emery’s backline, but Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott are both in contention to come into the team.
Elliott may be more prepared to hit the ground running than Sancho, but Villa’s backroom staff will be doing everything they can to get the Manchester United loanee into top shape as soon as possible.
Both creative players will add much-needed quality and depth to Emery’s squad, especially following Jacob Ramsey’s £40 million move to Newcastle United and Leon Bailey’s recent loan to AS Roma.
Evann Guessand was signed from Nice in a deal worth up to £30 million, while Emi Buendía has remained part of Emery’s plans, meaning Villa are well stocked in forward areas.
John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, and Donyell Malen also provide options, while Youri Tielemans is capable of operating in a number 10 role.
Sancho can operate on either wing, predominantly off the left, where he occasionally linked up effectively with Ian Maatsen during his second stint at Borussia Dortmund, helping the German side reach the 2024 Champions League final.
The United loanee started every Champions League knockout game for Dortmund en route to the final at Wembley, where they ultimately fell to Real Madrid.
Elliott, meanwhile, could be deployed either off the right or in a central number 10 role.
With so many attacking options at his disposal, Emery’s starting line-ups may vary depending on the opposition and other tactical considerations.
Here’s how Villa could line up with both Sancho and Elliott in the starting XI…
How Villa could line up with Sancho and Elliott both in the team
How Villa could line up with Sancho and Elliott both in the team
What do you make of Villa's squad depth? Tell us here
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