I think Lopetegui is their most important asset at the moment. Did a really good job getting them safe last season because it looked a right mess before the world cup.
This. My only reservations with Dendoncker are that we have to play a bit different when he's in the team as he's not as comfortable in tight spaces and can't dribble his way out of trouble like Kamara and Luiz. So if we could replace him with someone more like those then that might be better. I'm also fine with him staying though if we can't replace.
Ward-Prowse is a good player. Of course he's known as a bit of a set piece merchant but it wouldn't be fair to say that's the only aspect to his game. That said he wouldn't start here IMO.
I suppose it depends if Unai wants another number 9 or more of a second striker. I also have concerns about the striker position should anything happen to Ollie as I'm not sure we have anyone else adept at leading the line. I fully trust whatever Unai decides though
I think Felix is essentially a no.10 or 2nd striker and Ferran is mainly a wide forward so maybe not fair to judge completely on their scoring records.
They were probably the worst team to come to Villa park last season? Had 1 effort all game and it was off target
So based on that and also the possibility of Mitrovic and Palhinha leaving I'm tipping them to struggle this season.
The Villa team circa 2008 were my favourite (until now at least) Had Laursen being a rock in defence as well as the biggest goal threat I've seen from set pieces. Barry orchestrating everything from midfield. Ashley Young at his exciting best. John Carew in his prime and Gabby when he was still fast and lean.
I know we had a couple of years challenging for top 4 after that but it was never quite as exciting as that team IMO.
I'm already sceptical of these stats because it's put Paulo Gazzaniga and Brice Samba amongst the 'most complete keepers' I'm not as familiar with Yehvann Diouf.
Weirdly though with the way FFP works isn't it actually better to loan players out a lot of the time unless you get a big bid.
So what on the face of it looks like shocking business is actually to satisfy 'profit and sustainability' rules