Matteo Ruggeri: Emery's pick to fill the Digne void
His profile is unusual for a full-back. At 6'2", he stands four inches taller than both Digne and Maatsen. Consequently, he wins aerial duels most wide defenders cannot: 69% from open play last season, against Digne's 50%.
19.08.26, 10:46 Updated 20.08.26, 11:44 3 Minute Read
Andrea Locorotondo
Villa moved fast to fill the Lucas Digne void, and Emery got exactly the profile he wanted.
The story in brief
- Fee: around £21.3m (~$29m) up front, rising to about £22.65m (~$31m) with add-ons; permanent deal, shirt number 13
- Signed from Atlético Madrid to replace Lucas Digne, who left for Paris Saint-Germain
- Profile: 24-year-old Italian left-back, Champions League-tested, driven by Emery himself
Emery gets his man to replace Digne
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Andrea Locorotondo SJA and AIPS member. Aston Villa In-Ground correspondent for Opta. Football writer and commentator. If you are coming to Villa Park, you will always find me on seat C22 in the press box.