Aston Villa’s squad is already looking noticeably different compared to last season as Unai Emery prepares for another demanding campaign.
The Villa boss faces a major challenge, particularly with Champions League football returning to Villa Park and the need to balance domestic and European commitments.
Supporters will be eager to see how new arrivals such as João Gomes and Johan Manzambi adapt to life at the club, although patience may be required with the latter.
The Swiss international is currently recovering from an injury, which could keep him sidelined for several weeks. That could make the start of the Premier League season too early for Manzambi, potentially opening the door for another player to make an immediate impact.
One player who appears best placed to take advantage of the situation is Emi Buendia.
What is the latest on Johan Manzambi’s injury?
Manzambi was one of the standout young players last season and continued his impressive development with strong performances at the World Cup.
Those displays convinced Villa to move quickly for the versatile midfielder, who is capable of operating primarily as a number 10.
The 19-year-old has been viewed as an excellent fit for Emery’s system, but Villa supporters may have to wait before seeing him regularly in claret and blue.
According to the Daily Mail, Manzambi’s current injury is expected to keep him out during the early stages of the season.
The Swiss international is set to miss the opening Premier League fixture against Brighton, leaving Emery with a decision to make following the departure of Morgan Rogers.
While George Hemmings has impressed during pre-season, it appears unlikely that Emery will rely heavily on the teenager in competitive fixtures at this stage of his development.
Why Emi Buendia could be Emery’s solution
Losing Rogers has created a significant gap, especially with Manzambi unavailable early in the campaign.
However, Buendia has recently shown he could provide an alternative solution after being used in the number 10 role during pre-season.
Usually deployed as a winger, the 29-year-old has become an interesting option for Emery in a more central position.
The Argentine has scored in both pre-season victories against Indonesia XI and BG Pathum, with both goals coming while playing in a central attacking role.
His statistics from last season also suggest he has the qualities required to succeed in that position. According to Data.MB, Buendia ranked sixth among wingers for defensive duels won per 90 minutes (3.97), seventh for interceptions per 90 (3.23) and also ranked highly for fouls won, finishing eighth with 1.99 fouls suffered per 90 minutes.
Although the number 10 role requires creativity, technical ability and attacking intelligence, it also demands defensive awareness and the ability to contribute without the ball.
Buendia appears to possess those qualities, giving Emery a potential short-term answer to an emerging problem while Manzambi works his way back to full fitness.
If he continues his strong pre-season form, the Argentine could become one of Villa’s early heroes this season.
