#avfc I’m fascinated to see what Emery does in the summer at LB. In my mind logically, Digne as an older, more expensive option would be phased out and Maatsen gradually takes over. But I’d be really concerned atm of playing Maatsen with Pau as the left side of the defence in a 4. - ThreadSky

mattburton72.bsky.social • 5 days ago

#avfc I’m fascinated to see what Emery does in the summer at LB. In my mind logically, Digne as an older, more expensive option would be phased out and Maatsen gradually takes over. But I’d be really concerned atm of playing Maatsen with Pau as the left side of the defence in a 4.

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longlonghandle.bsky.social•4 days ago

Digne is expensive but hard to argue with the performance. He just does it all.

everysongsung.bsky.social•5 days ago

Gut feel is that we’ll keep Digne and give him an extension if we get into Europe again, but we’ll have to sacrifice him if we finish mid-table as his wages are a huge burden.

mattburton72.bsky.social•5 days ago

Only way I can see that working is with a RCB/RB more like a Disasi so we can flex to a back 3 rather than having a Cash or Garcia at RB. Obviously I’ve no doubt Unai will come up with the solutions but I think there’s a lot to think about. Or it’s a horses for courses type of plan.

tompmcgowan.bsky.social•5 days ago

I think Maatsen was signed with the hope we get Geertruida. If we had, think he plays a lot more. Suspect you’re right, we’ll have a more defensive RB and a more attacking option to switch with and that looks like it’s Garcia.

avfc-usa83.bsky.social•5 days ago

Like you said Maatsen defensively will be an issue….Listening on the radio this past game it sounded like CHE targeted him and were making him look silly….your logic though with the cost you can not argue with at all…. my other big question is Leon Bailey this offseason

nasheridan.bsky.social•5 days ago

#TeamDigne 😢

mattburton72.bsky.social•5 days ago

👍 Totally get it and don’t take me wrong, I like him but he is expensive when we consider these squad cost limits. Just about ok if he’s the starter but we spend a large % of our resources at LB with both him and Maatsen. Kind of feel we need to make some decisions at LB.

nasheridan.bsky.social•5 days ago

You're right. I'm just not thinking logically with age & finances. I guess I look at older defenders like Kyle Walker who are still around (though not at Villa)

mattburton72.bsky.social•5 days ago

The decision may even be to be open to offers for Maatsen and keep Digne and sign a younger, cheaper LB. Unai’s not afraid of moving on players quickly if he feels it’s right. I think it’ll be really interesting in that position.

nasheridan.bsky.social•5 days ago

I don't think we've seen enough of Maatsen yet, but Unai will know

joe-thoma-iv.bsky.social•5 days ago

Digne is such a better player. Perfect hybrid left back. I wouldn't push him out until he shows he's ready to go.

mattburton72.bsky.social•5 days ago

Think the thing is Emery looks for a LB that can get to the byline. Not sure that’s Digne. He is though solid defensively and delivers a great cross. It’s a large % of resources spent at LB on both players. That’s why it’s such an interesting conundrum to watch.

pearsontombo.bsky.social•5 days ago

He seemed to like that type of LB but it wouldn’t be needed if we sign Rashford - the lad loves that byline 🤣

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