Aston Villa wrapped up their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 loss against Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany on Saturday. Manager Unai Emery made extensive changes to the starting lineup, with just Marco Bizot, Victor Lindelof, and George Hemmings retaining their places from the side that faced Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Cup.
Tim Kleindienst fired two quick goals in the first half to give Monchengladbach a strong advantage. Villa managed to respond when John McGinn reduced the deficit in the 69th minute. However, late in the game, Jamal Jimoh-Aloba missed a significant opportunity to level, unable to beat goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas inside the box.
An injury to Tammy Abraham early in the second half forced Emery to make a substitution. Following treatment on the pitch, Abraham left the field limping, with Brad Burrowes coming on as his replacement.
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With Brian Madjo sidelined until at least September due to injury, Aston Villa may be compelled to start Ollie Watkins in their opening Premier League fixture against Brighton. Emery might have always planned for Watkins to take a prominent role this season, regardless of pre-season appearances, but the absence of Madjo and potentially Abraham leaves few alternatives.
Watkins, recently selected for the England World Cup squad, has been maintaining his fitness by training under Thomas Tuchel, despite limited impact in the tournament. Along with Ezri Konsa and Emi Martinez, Watkins was granted a four-week break following the World Cup, and all are expected back at Bodymoor Heath early next week.
While players like Madjo, Joao Gomes, Luka Lynch, and George Hemmings have attracted much of the pre-season acclaim, the performances of winger Alysson have also shown promise. The Brazilian faced fitness challenges last season and has missed some pre-season time due to a minor injury. However, if he remains fit, he could have opportunities against Brighton and Arsenal early in the campaign.
Alysson impressed off the bench against PSG and demonstrated his skill against Nuno Mendes, widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world. Though his impact against Monchengladbach was more limited, his ability to beat defenders on the right wing and create chances was noticeable. His natural dribbling ability allows him to draw fouls or create space, and while he remains a developing talent with areas to improve, his progress has been encouraging. His efforts even earned applause from a Villa analyst during the Gladbach match.
Despite concluding their on-field preparations for the new season, Aston Villa still face significant tasks in the transfer market. Uncertainty surrounds Martinez’s future, Arsenal may intensify their pursuit of Konsa, and questions about Watkins' long-term role have resurfaced. Meanwhile, squad changes such as Evann Guessand’s loan and Leon Bailey’s potential departure could open up both playing opportunities and budget space.
Villa expect to finalise the signing of Matteo Ruggeri as their fourth acquisition this summer. The club are also seeking additional reinforcements at right-back and cover for injured midfielder Amadou Onana. Given Alysson’s ongoing development, securing a right winger remains a priority before the transfer window closes, with previous interest in Endrick highlighting this need.