Aston Villa: Player Grades - Bologna
Oh boy, that was a rollercoaster of emotions. The Villains traveled to Italy for a pre-season friendly against Bologna, and let's just say, it wasn't your typical walk in the park. Some players absolutely shone, others… well, let's just say they need to hit the training ground harder.
The Stars of the Show
Ollie Watkins (9/10): What a performance! Ollie was on fire, absolutely dominating the Bologna defense. His movement was incredible, his finishing was clinical, and his energy was contagious. He bagged a hat-trick, proving he's ready to fire on all cylinders for the upcoming season.
Leon Bailey (8/10): Bailey was a whirlwind on the wing, his pace and trickery were a constant threat. He bagged a goal and provided a couple of assists, showing that he's finally starting to gel with the team.
John McGinn (8/10): The captain was in control from start to finish. He dictated the tempo, bossed the midfield, and was the glue holding the team together. His passing was sharp, and he even popped up with a goal.
The Mixed Bag
Morgan Sanson (6/10): Sanson had some bright moments, but also some head-scratching ones. He showed glimpses of his potential, but seemed a bit hesitant at times. He needs to be more assertive and take more risks if he wants to break into the starting lineup.
Emiliano Martinez (7/10): Emi had a solid game, making some key saves, but was also caught out a couple of times. He'll be looking to tighten things up at the back before the Premier League season kicks off.
The Strugglers
Cameron Archer (5/10): Unfortunately, Archer didn't have the best game. He had a few good moments, but his final product was lacking. He'll be looking to regain his confidence and find his shooting boots.
Jaden Philogene-Bidace (5/10): Jaden, like Archer, had some nice touches, but couldn't translate that into a truly impactful performance. Pre-season is all about finding your form, and hopefully, he'll do just that.
Overall
A good performance from Aston Villa, with some stand-out players and a few who need to step up their game. It's still early days in the pre-season, but these games are crucial for building confidence and team chemistry. Let's see how the Villains perform in their next outing!