da bet nacional： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
da apostaganha： Despite conceding two late goals against Liverpool on Saturday, Aston Villa’s performance against Jurgen Klopp’s side has drawn praise and Arsenal legend Ian Wright has singled out two players in particular for their display against the Premier League leaders.
What did he say?
Speaking on Match of the Day (10.30pm, 02/11) the ex-striker had the following to say about Marvelous Nakamba and Trezeguet.
He said:
“Villa were brilliant today, and like the manager said you know, they’re very disappointed because it was a lack of concentration.”
“When you look at someone like Nakamba, very impressed with Nakamba today. Trezeguet’s best game for Villa for me.”
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Duo underline their importance to Villa
Nakamba and Trezeguet’s arrivals at Villa Park coincided with a summer of intensive recruitment for the West Midlands side, but much like Dean Smith’s squad and their bid to retain the club’s Premier League status, the duo are adapting at an impressive pace to life in B6.
Against Liverpool, the Zimbabwean international recovered nine loose balls – the most of any player on the pitch – whilst also taking his tally of clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI) to 28 in the last six matches – the third-highest of any midfielder in the Premier League in that period.
This impressive form has seen Villa record consecutive league victories, whilst falling short to Manchester City at the Etihad and pushing Liverpool to the death at Villa Park, though Nakamba’s teammate Trezeguet is also continuing to impress despite a mixed start to life at the club.
Having started Villa’s first three league fixtures, a red card against Crystal Palace saw the Egyptian international lost his place in the starting XI for four of the club’s next five league games, though he has returned Smith’s starting line-up for the last two games with considerable aplomb.
With 49 touches in the opposition half, Trezeguet ranks top of all Villa’s midfield options whilst also having received the most passes (30) of any Villa player, highlighting the 25-year-old’s ability to be creative in his runs and find space in his side’s attacking efforts in the final third.
Wright’s comments allude to two players who are growing into their roles in Smith’s squad, and the Villa boss will be hoping for a continuation of this form as his side bid to retain their Premier League status with the growing influence of Nakamba and Trezeguet at Villa Park.