Following a disastrous Sunday where Aston Villa endured a crushing 4-0 loss to Tottenham, Unai Emery’s challenges may persist in the upcoming weeks.
With Boubacar Kamara already sidelined due to injury and the recent suspension of captain John McGinn for three Premier League matches after his dismissal this past weekend, Aston Villa finds itself facing a shortage of options in the midfield.
While Douglas Luiz will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role, the responsibility is likely to fall on Tim Iroegbunam to step up, anchoring the midfield alongside Luiz and offering a crucial defensive presence in front of a backline that has struggled to maintain solidity in recent weeks.
The 20-year-old emerged as a standout talent at the youth level, consistently delivering impressive performances, leading to a loan spell at QPR last season to gain essential experience and regular senior-level playing time.
After excelling there and returning to train with the Villa first-team squad since last summer, he has made seven appearances this season, earning his first start against Ajax in the Europa Conference League last week.
Initially expected to be a key rotational option, providing rest for McGinn or Luiz when needed, the talented youngster now finds himself thrust into a more significant role given the team’s current predicament. Despite the pressure, his time on the pitch has allowed him to adapt and settle into the side, making him a crucial figure in Villa’s efforts to prevent the season from derailing entirely.
Endowed with physical attributes and technical prowess, Iroegbunam has the potential to become a top-tier player. His extended time in the squad has given him the opportunity to study, learn, and adapt to Unai Emery’s tactical demands and style, making his transition to the starting lineup a gradual and well-prepared process.
While not entirely thrown into the deep end, the importance of his role cannot be understated. He is tasked not only with providing fundamental balance in both defensive and offensive phases but also enabling players like Luiz, Leon Bailey, and Jacob Ramsey to advance and exert influence in the final third.
Emery’s decision to allow Leander Dendoncker to leave in January serves as a crucial indication that Iroegbunam is deemed ready to step up and provide depth. With the time at hand, Villa hopes the young talent is prepared to deliver and become an indispensable presence in the side for the next series of games, filling the void left by the absence of key players.