In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo stated that Aston Villa are eyeing a move for Real Madrid defender Nacho. It has been revealed that the Villans could face competition in the form of Wolverhampton Wanderers in pursuit of the Spanish centre-back.
Nacho’s Growing Struggles In Spanish Football This Season
Nacho has played a sporadic role at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium as he has struggled to earn regular first-team starts under the stewardship of Carlo Ancelotti. The 32-year-old has made 11 appearances for Los Blancos this season across all competitions.
The Spanish defensive ace has seen most of his game time come off the bench which could be why he is only averaging 0.1 tackles, 0.4 interceptions and 0.1 clearances per game in La Liga. He has been careful when distributing the ball from the back after making 97.1% of his attempted passes in the top tier of Spanish football (stats via whoscored).
Nacho’s current contract at the Madrid club is set to run out at the end of this campaign. Hence, he will be a good signing for the Villans as they could potentially land him on the cheap this January or on a free transfer next summer.
What Will Nacho Add To Unai Emery’s Side?
Nacho is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his side on the defensive third of the pitch. He doesn’t take too many risks when clearing the danger at the back. Nacho is primarily a central defender but can also play as a full-back on either flank if his manager tells him to do so.
However, the Spaniard has to find a way to earn more playing time in the next few years if he wants to make the most out of the remainder of his playing career. Furthermore, there are some question marks over whether he would be able to adapt to the intensity of English football at this stage of his career.
We can expect someone with Nacho’s experience to add more bite and steel to Unai Emery‘s defensive department at Villa Park. He has what it takes to offer some serious competition for Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa at the West Midlands club.
At 32, Nacho might still have a few good years left in him to play at his best and could be a shrewd signing for Aston Villa as he will be available for a bargain price during the January transfer window.
