It hasn’t taken Nicolo Zaniolo long to become a key option for Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, as he has quickly worked his way into his starting line-up.
After cameo appearances off the bench against Burnley and Liverpool prior to the international break earlier this month, the 24-year-old has since started in our last three games and is progressively making a more positive impact.
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With a 74 percent pass completion rate, 67 percent shooting accuracy, 18 tackles won and eight successful dribbles in 241 minutes of playing time, the Italian international is proving to be an important presence in both phases of the game.
Naturally, it’s his technical ability, skill and confidence to take players on and try and thread a key pass through to unlock a defence that ultimately catch the eye, and he’s produced some good moments to add a vital dynamic to our attacking play.
However, it’s the work ethic and commitment to put in a shift off the ball too that has arguably cemented his spot in Emery’s preferred XI already, as Zaniolo has proven to be a physical presence in the side with his pressing, while his aerial ability is crucial at both ends of the pitch too in terms of set-pieces as well as in general play.
While that decisive impact is still missing in terms of a goal involvement, it doesn’t feel a million miles away as he continues to offer a threat in the final third, and the way in which he has already developed chemistry and understanding with his teammates is a positive sign.
Of course, there are areas of improvement still. Zaniolo does perhaps take a little too long in possession at times which in turn sees an opening close before he’s ready to make that all-important pass, but as seen in the video below of his performance against Chelsea on Sunday, it seems as though he’s trying to address it and make quicker decisions.
Whether it’s down the left or right, he is continuing to make his presence felt in both phases of the game, and should he get the nod against Everton in the Carabao Cup in midweek, it’s hoped we finally see him add that end product to his game to really stand out.
There’s no doubt that the Villa fans have taken to him already, but should his loan stint become a permanent move this season, it will be down to merit and how Emery sees him being a pivotal figure in his plans moving forward.
Villa had a significant void to fill after Emiliano Buendia’s injury setback on the eve of the new campaign, and although there are options at Emery’s disposal, it’s Zaniolo who is quickly making that spot his own.
The return of Jacob Ramsey from injury is an important boost that will likely see him restored to our left flank on a consistent basis, and so that could shift Zaniolo across to the opposite side as he looks to support and create for the likes of Moussa Diaby and Ollie Watkins.
With his ability to drive forward with the ball, beat his man and pick out a threatening pass to put us in dangerous areas, Zaniolo will hopefully stay healthy this season, and if he can, the early signs would suggest that he is undoubtedly capable of playing an integral role in our push to be competitive on multiple fronts this year.
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