Former Scout Urges Aston Villa To Land This Atletico Madrid Defender: Should Emery Go For Him?

Former scout Bryan King urged Aston Villa to land

Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso who is set

to become a free agent this summer.

“Since Emery will be familiar with the player and he represents a major league team, this signing—especially if it’s on a free agent—can only be favorable.

“Against Tottenham, Villa was badly exposed at the back when balls were put in behind the full-backs and into the channel.

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.

In La Liga, the Spanish center defender has performed admirably, averaging 1.7 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, and 2.9 clearances per contest. After completing 87.1% of his passes in the Spanish first division, he has also demonstrated accuracy when distributing possession from inside his half (data 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 possesses the necessary skills to improve Aston Villa manager Unai Emery’s defense. He is talented enough to compete for a regular starting spot at Villa Park the next year. Hermoso, who is 28 years old, is now performing at his best.

So when the transfer window opens later this year, it makes sense for the Villans to target the Atletico Madrid phenomenon. If Emery is successful in signing him this summer, only time will tell if he can adjust to the physicality and intense nature of Premier League game.