The former Aston Villa centre back was commenting on the 0-0 draw with Newcastle United and has told Unai Emery which player he has to target in the transfer market
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery(Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire.)
Richard Dunne says Aston Villa have ‘stood still’ in this summer’s transfer market.
Unai Emery’s men drew 0-0 at home in their Premier League opener against Newcastle United, a game in which they produced just three shots and an xG of just 0.13 compared to the visitors’ 1.47. They didn’t produce a single shot in the first period.
To be fair they played much of the second half with only ten men as Ezri Konsa was sent off and held on for a point in difficult circumstances.
However, Dunne, who played for Villa for four years between 2009-13, was not impressed with what he saw and says they must do all they can to re-sign Marco Asensio after last season’s loan spell.
“I don't think they've moved forward this year over this summer. I think they've at best stood still, really,” he told betway.
“I think Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford were a really good combination for them last year and something they could use to great effect.
“I still think they need to strengthen. I think when I watched them at the weekend, they looked a little bit slower than the rest of the Premier League, and I read their distance covered wasn't too high and was second bottom in the Premier League.
“They seem to try and play a bit of a more controlled game.
“Aston Villa need to add to their squad; they need to add a little bit of energy and speed, probably to their squad.
“I'm sure the manager will want more bodies in just to give them the better opportunity in the European competition and obviously the cups as well.”
Dunne sees Asensio as a key target: “He was excellent when he came in, he took to the Premier League really well.
“He looked like a player who could find passes on a tight pitch, and the quality he has in the ball has never been a doubt, so I think if they could get him back in, that type of creative player is something that they really need.
“I think they've got a lot of hard-working, top-quality players, but just having that continental style creative number 10 is something that I think most teams would look for, and Villa are a team that certainly would use Asensio in the right way to get the best out of him.
“He seemed to enjoy himself when he was there so hopefully he wants to come back as well, and I think he'd be a really good signing.”