Tom Robinson

What do you think of AFA's change in stance over patria potestad? Do you think it could come back to bite them?

Other than that, there is clearly a question to be had around the right flank, depending on who stays and goes.

And then replacing any senior pros that leave the squad, but I feel they might be areas where like-for-like replacements with experience will be preferred.

Thoughts Villa fans? #utv

4. Goalkeeper
As much as it pains me to say it, Martinez at some point will go. Might not be this year, but we need to think about the future.

Robin Risser is the first name that pops to mind -- whether that's straight in as first choice or competing with Bizot. Open to suggestions here.

Option 2 - Breno Bidon
For me, one of the top prospects still playing in Brazil. Has wracked up a lot of experience over last two years and now at 20 feels ready for a move.

Option 3 - Lennon Miller
Bit more of a speculative punt but reckon under McGinn's guidance could really flourish given time

3. Progressive midfield cover
When Tielemans is out of the team, it really shows + I'd be looking for an understudy.

Option 1 - Matias Siltanen
The 18-year-old Finn has done fantastically in Sweden and can do a bit of everything. Might need a loan first but could be a great, cheapish pick up

2. Versatile attacking midfielder
Apart from Rogers, we don't really have many young options who can fulfil a number of roles.

A player I'm a massive fan of is Josh King. Intelligent, covers a lot of ground and has HUGE potential. Doubt Fulham would want to let him go but think we should strike

Option 1 - Mika Godts
Appreciate there is probably an Eredivisie tax, but the Belgian has been great for Ajax this year. Goals, assists, and presumably wouldn't break the bank.

Option 2 - Mateus Mané
Wolves are going down, Mane would be a great addition + I think Emery could really hone him

With that in mind, here are some of the players I would like to see us move for in order to improve and future proof the squad...

1. Left 10
I think the most obvious area we can bolster our starting XI. Yes, Buendía has been great and there are players who *can* play there but no natural standout

🧵 #AVFC Summer Recruitment 🧵

Clearly whether Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League is going to be decisive for our policy this summer.

That said, there are some more general challenges, regardless of what competition we get into, namely:

➡️ Reduce the squad age
➡️ Reduce the wage bill

Really didn't understand the Luiz / Onana pivot. Perhaps a deliberate ploy to bait the press but just felt they were both dropping too deep and not offering option to play through the thirds. Would've liked to see Onana stretch his legs if Dougie was sitting

Not a great performance but who cares. Was all about the result and got the job done.

Not many standouts but thought Bogarde deserves real praise. Kept Mitoma pretty quiet. Barkley made a big difference coming on + hopefully a confidence boost for Bailey too

Promising first 10mins but fouling broke up our rhythm and we got drawn into a scrap rather than a football match. Attack really disjointed, bar Sancho-Rogers link up. Missing our two best progressive passers.

Yep, van Hecke definitely a shithouse

Mixed start to the season for Boca but nice the likes of Iker Zufiaurre, Gonzalo Gelini and Tomas Aranda getting plenty of minutes.

Zufiaurre in particular with a beautiful strike against Vélez - his first senior goal, having been a key player in a successful reserves team that won the Clausura

Also are people in Argentina worried about Emi Martinez's erratic form and consistent minor injuries ahead of the World Cup? Or do they think he's just preserving himself? I guess he's probably got so much good will in the bank that it won't change anything

After Ryōga Kida's appearances for Argentinos Juniors, do you think we could see more Asians playing in the Primera?

A player I picked out at the start of the year, Ignacio Ovando, stacking up good performances. Kept River Plate at bay with a maturity beyond his years. Super comfortable on the ball too. I'm becoming a bit of a fan boy

Trying to crowbar it in to officiate on a) subjective calls or b) getting involved in moments where it doesn't have the angles/technology to accurately judge

And that's before we get onto consistent application / the occasional incompetence of those using it

[2/2]

That disallowed goal lays bare yet another fatal flaw of VAR.

If it had stood, Brentford would have raged (and you'd have sympathy for them). If it's disallowed, we will rage (for lack of definite proof)

[1/2]

Or not. Great defending from Brentford but an utterly frustrating for two home league games in a row 😤😤

a black and white cartoon of a man holding a sign that says ' sickos ' . ALT: a black and white cartoon of a man holding a sign that says ' sickos ' .

Sheffield United fans rn

I mean, it looks like it's out of play but can they definitively say that ALL (not the majority) of the ball crosses the line? #utv

Ignore me. I know nothing. Best possible start to the half #utv

Exact scenario where Tielemans absence is going to felt so badly. I've seen how this goes... 🙇🏻‍♂️

Last night also saw Dilan Godoy (19, forward) get an assist and a cameo from the super exciting Alex Veron (17, winger).

He might not have featured against Huracán but have really liked what I saw from Matias Arias (18, midfielder). Think we'll see a fair bit of him under GBS

I'm a sucker for any Vélez academy graduate and some new names already rising to the fore this year.

Tobias Andrada wasn't at his best vs Huracán, but that's 3 starts from 3 for the 18-year-old + got the winner vs Instituto.

Versatile midfielder with interesting characteristics

Only took a few months. Looks like he's off to Cercle Brugge. Ideal first landing spot 👏🏻👏🏻

Might be "one of those things" in football / just bad luck, but can't help feeling the 'let it flow' directive might have something to do with lumps like Palhinha and Joelinton being allowed to hobble our best midfielders. Or maybe I'm just bitter/biased #avfc #utv

Amadou Onana vs Newcastle

89 minutes played
90% passing accuracy (28/31)
1 chance created
44 touches
6 passes into the final third
3 tackles won
1 block
2 clearances
2 interceptions
4 recoveries
4 ground duels won

Ama was everywhere!

#AVFC

Goal aside, it was his OOP play than most impressed me. Incessant energy and constant harrying. Deserved MOTM