In a recent print edition, SportBILD stated that Aston Villa are facing stiff competition for Bayer 04 Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios. It has been claimed that the Villans will have to rival Newcastle United in the race to land the Argentine midfield ace in the summer.
Palacios’ Impressive Run Of Form In German Football This Season
Palacios is having a brilliant campaign at the German club after putting in a string of impressive displays for them at the centre of the park. The 25-year-old has scored five goals and grabbing two assists in 22 appearances for Leverkusen this season in multiple competitions.
The Argentine sensation has been a decent performer at both ends of the pitch as he is averaging 2.7 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 0.8 clearances, 0.8 shots, 1.3 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball from midfield based on his pass success rate of 92% in the German top tier (stats via whoscored).
Palacios is under contract at Leverkusen until the summer of 2028. Hence, the Villans would have to make a big offer if they want to win the race for his services at the end of this season.
What Will Palacios Add To Aston Villa Boss Unai Emery’s Side?
Palacios is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t hesitate to clear the danger when the opposition are on the offensive. The Argentine sensation can even strike the ball with venom from long range and has got the vision to engineer a few promising chances for his teammates in the final third. He is full of energy and running in the middle of the park and can make some driving runs with the ball as well.
Palacios is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also play as a defensive midfielder or function in the number ten position if needed. Hence, someone with his quality and versatility would no doubt be a massive signing for Aston Villa if Unai Emery can find a way to bring him on board in the summer.
Palacios would add more quality to the West Midlands club‘s first team and could help the Villans compete for European football once again in the coming years.
