Aston Villa picked up a 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao in our pre-season encounter in midweek, with Jacob Ramsey, Jaden Philogene and Cameron Archer getting on the scoresheet.
It was a much-improved attacking performance from Villa compared to what we saw during our pre-season tour in the USA, and Unai Emery would have been pleased with the tempo and quality we played with in possession.
While there’s still work to do defensively to shore things up, it’s hoped that will come as we get closer to the season and welcome the likes of Emiliano Martinez and Ezri Konsa back, but this was certainly a more positive outing than what we’ve seen over the past week or two.
Villa conclude our pre-season schedule against Borussia Dortmund this weekend, and then our complete focus will turn to our Premier League season opener against West Ham Utd on August 17.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Athletic Bilbao:
Joe Gauci, 7 – Another positive shift from the Australian shot-stopper, as he was patient with his distribution to invite the press and help us build out from the back, while he made two vital saves in the first half to showcase his skills in that department too.
Matty Cash, 5 – Provided energy and an attacking dynamic down the right flank, but his defensive displays continue to raise concern. His sloppy effort at a clearance led to the first equaliser, and we look vulnerable in behind in wide areas.
Lamare Bogarde, 7 – Composed in possession to help us build play, and on the whole, he was defensively sound to impress in both phases. Time will tell if he goes out on loan, but he’s made a positive impression this summer.
Pau Torres, 7 – The classy Spaniard was excellent in breaking the lines and getting the ball forward to help us stay patient and probe for an opening, and although we’ll be disappointed defensively, he did relatively well on an individual basis.
Lucas Digne, 6 – Tidy performance as he got forward when possible to provide support and width down the left side, but wasn’t, and didn’t have to be, particularly decisive in either phase of the game but did get caught out defensively.
Amadou Onana, 7 – Uses his physicality and frame well to impose himself on the opposition and disrupt their play. Calm and composed in possession too as he linked up well with Tielemans and others to keep us ticking over.
Youri Tielemans, 7.5 – An impressive display from the Belgian, as he gave us control of tempo and possession, and was clever with his passing to give us a link between defence and attack to add cohesion and rhythm to our play. Lovely assist for Ramsey’s opener too.
Leon Bailey, 7 – Looked sharp and a real threat down the right flank with his pace and direct play. Looks to be building his fitness and sharpness steadily as he’ll hopefully be a consistently decisive figure for us again this season.
John McGinn, 7 – Playing catch-up still after reporting back later than others, but it was clear his fitness and sharpness is improving. Tenacious off the ball and added quality to our play at times, he’ll be fundamental as always.
Jacob Ramsey, 7.5 – Took his goal brilliantly after showing good movement to break in behind. It’s another positive step in his comeback as he’s progressively looked better this summer, and it’s an exciting prospect to see him back in the side flourishing alongside our other attacking players.
Morgan Rogers, 7 – Wasteful at times, but looked to have had a goal wrongfully ruled out for offside, while he blazed another big chance over the bar. Nevertheless, a positive display still and with his versatility to play up top too, he’ll be a fundamental option for Emery in attack.
Substitutes:
Oliwier Zych, 6 – Little he could have done about the second goal in an otherwise decent effort in the second half as he dealt with what came his way as needed.
Kosta Nedeljkovic, 7.5 – As he has done all summer, the Serbian defender was a stand-out performer again. The attacking dynamic he adds with his positive intent on the ball is great to watch, and although he still needs to improve defensively, his recovery pace is key and he’ll develop the more he plays.
Jaden Philogene, 7.5 – Great run off the ball and finish for his goal, he looked sharp, threatening and worked hard out of possession. A relatively quiet return up until tonight, but this was a positive step.
Sil Swinkels, 6 – Did a decent job but will be disappointed with his positioning for the cross that led to the second equaliser.
Ian Maatsen, 6 – Added calmness and control with his passing, but he still looks short of match fitness which is to be expected, and so he’ll hopefully get a much bigger run-out against Dortmund.
Leander Dendoncker, 6 – A safe but tidy shift as he kept things ticking over for us in midfield in the latter stages.
Ross Barkley, 6 – Similar to Dendoncker but perhaps a bit more progressive and daring with his passing, as he helped us to continue to dictate.
Emiliano Buendia, 7 – Should have had an assist after a brilliant ball sent Archer through, but it was judged to be offside. However, he wasn’t to be denied as he played another great ball over the top to send the Villa striker through to score. Getting his touch and sharpness back it seems, in a very positive outing.
Samuel Iling-Junior, 6 – Denied by a great late save as he did well to peel off into space in the box and have an effort on goal. Still looking to become more of an influence on our play.
Cameron Archer, 7 – Looked to have had a harsh offside call go against him, but he continued to plug away and got his reward with our late winner. Showed great perseverance before finding the back of the net for an excellent goal.
