Aston Villa season in review: Albert Adomah

Albert Adomah led Aston Villa in assists during his maiden season at the club. The former Ghana international slowed as the season progressed, but still finished with a club-high ten assists.

RM/RW – Albert Adomah, 29

Appearances: 30 + (8)

WhoScored Aggregate: 6.84

Goals/Assists: 3/10

Albert Adomah joined Aston Villa as a rather unheralded signing on transfer deadline day. His fee, around £5 million, was mitigated by the movement of Adama Traoré in return to Middlesbrough. Essentially, the two clubs exchanged right wingers.

For much of Roberto Di Matteo’s short reign at Villa, Adomah was the main attacking spark. A brilliant dribbler with blistering pace to boot, Adomah is never shy in taking on defenders. It wasn’t all pace and no product, either, Adomah produced of a ton of chances in the attacking third.

He recorded 1.1 key passes per match with a healthy pass success rate on the wing. Of Aston Villa’s current players, Adomah finished third in scoring, behind Jonathan Kodjia and Jack Grealish. For Aston Villa to be successful, they need more scoring from the other forwards in the squad.

All but two of Adomah’s starts occurred on the right wing. He featured once as a central striker and another on the left.

A consistent formation and system from Steve Bruce will get the best out of Albert next season. As a right midfielder with defensive duties, Adomah was far less productive than when on the wing. Expanded space in zones 15 and 16 allowed him more crossing and opportunities for cut-backs.

Next: Which positions will Steve Bruce strengthen?

2017-2018 Prediction: Depending on the system, Albert Adomah is one of the first names on the team sheet. It helps that the Ghanaian International is the only one in his position, save for Leandro Bacuna.

If fit, Adomah is good for 25-35 league starts with similar production levels. He enters year two of a four year deal.