In a recent interview with Villa News, former scout Bryan King urged Aston Villa to land Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso this summer. King said,
“Emery is going to know the player and he’s playing for a big club, so it can only be a positive signing, especially if it’s on a free.
“Villa got caught out badly at the back against Tottenham, balls played in behind full-backs, balls into the channel.
“They were all over the place. Giving the ball away, losing possession of the ball in their own half. At the end of the day, they were lucky they didn’t get beat 6-0.”
Hermoso’s Solid Season In La Liga
The 28-year-old has enjoyed another solid season at the Madrid club after putting in a series of impressive performances at the heart of Diego Simeone’s defence. Hermoso has made 36 appearances for Atletico Madrid during this campaign, scoring a couple of goals and grabbing one assist across multiple competitions.
The Spanish centre-back has done well to average 1.7 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 2.9 clearances per game in La Liga. He has even been accurate when distributing possession from inside his half after making 87.1% of his attempted passes in the Spanish first division (stats via whoscored).
Should Aston Villa Boss Unai Emery Go For Hermoso This Summer?
Hermoso is a tough-tackling central defender who can make some timely interceptions for his side on the defensive end of the field. He doesn’t hesitate to clear the danger when the opposition are on the offensive. The Spaniard excels at playing his way out from the back as well. Standing at 1.84m, he can be a strong presence in the air.
Hermoso has what it takes to enhance the quality of Aston Villa boss Unai Emery’s defence. He is good enough to fight for a regular starting place at Villa Park next season. At 28, Hermoso is playing in his prime at the moment.
Therefore, it makes sense for the Villans to go for the Atletico Madrid sensation when the transfer window commences later this year. However, only time will tell whether he can adapt to the physical side and high intensity of Premier League football if Emery manages to snap him up this summer.
