Aston Villa ended our pre-season tour of the USA in Chicago on Saturday night, and much like how it started and went in the middle, it concluded with a defeat.
Losses to Columbus Crew, RB Leipzig and Club América have admittedly been disappointing outcomes, with Villa scoring just one goal and conceding seven.
READ MORE: What Unai Emery said in assessment of Villa’s loss to Club América, USA pre-season tour
However, for the reasons detailed below, it can still be considered a useful and productive exercise as part of our preparations for the new campaign, and there were still positives to take from the performances on an individual basis.
Nevertheless, with two more friendlies remaining against Athletic Bilbao and Borussia Dortmund, Unai Emery will be looking for improvement and progression to go into our opening Premier League game on August 17 with some momentum and confidence.
No need for panic, Emery analysis incoming
As always, Emery was calm and not overly disappointed with the results over the course of this tour. The Villa boss never wants to lose, such is his competitive and winning mentality, but he sees the bigger picture and understands fully the purpose of these outings.
He noted in his post-match press conference that he now has an abundance of information on his players from these games, and whether it’s on the flight home or back at Bodymoor Heath in the next week – probably both – he’ll be working meticulously with his staff to get things right.
Ultimately, Villa have come away with no injuries, the players are feeling fitter and sharper, our new signings are settling in and integrating into the side with valuable playing time, and we’ve had some competitive challenges to get us ready for the season. Add the mitigating factors of travel, heat, media obligations, intensive training and more, this was never just about the results.
Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana continue to integrate
It often takes players some time to adapt to Emery’s demands and tactical instructions, and while they’re by no means perfect as of yet, both Ian Maatsen and Amadou Onana have made a positive impression already.
From the Dutchman’s dynamic attacking runs down the left flank to Onana’s physicality and ability to control proceedings in both phases with his tenacity, coverage of ground and technical quality in possession.
They’ve stood out when involved, and they’ll hopefully continue to develop and establish themselves as fundamental pieces in Emery’s system moving forward.
Promising signs from Jacob Ramsey
After a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury, Jacob Ramsey finally made his comeback during our time in the USA, and particularly against Club America, there were some really promising signs.
The 23-year-old was finding threatening pockets of space in the final third with his clever movement, creating openings for both himself and his teammates.
That instinct to get into goalscoring positions has been missed, and as he continues to look sharper and gets back up to speed, he’ll continue to pose a bigger threat for us.
Kosta Nedeljkovic one of the biggest positives of tour
While many of the players have been praised on an individual level at varying points in this tour, Kosta Nedeljkovic has arguably been the biggest, and most consistent, positive of them all.
The 18-year-old has wasted little time in adapting and proving his ability to be a great fit for Emery’s style and structure, and while he is still has to improve and mature with experience, he’s staked his claim for a bigger role earlier than expected at the start of the season.
Coupled with his superb attitude and professionalism off the pitch, as displayed in both his recent Q&A with VillaTV and Emery’s comments after the game this weekend, we look as though we’ve signed a potential gem with a big future ahead of him.
No Diego Carlos, notable absentee after red card and speculation
While it’s unclear if the Villa centre-half was left out due to some sort of disciplinary factor, it isn’t likely to be the case given these were just friendlies.
In turn, his absence was notable this weekend, as after his silly red card in midweek coupled with speculation over his future at the club, Emery seemingly opted to leave him out of his matchday squad.
Time will tell if that’s a real indication of him potentially moving on in the coming weeks, but with Lucas Digne and Leander Dendoncker deployed as centre-backs in the second half on Saturday night, it’s clear that we still need to strengthen in that department to have sufficient quality depth.