Axel Tuanzebe brings versatility to the Aston Villa defense

Before Monday’s match, Aston Villa brought welcome news on the transfer front. Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has returned for a second spell in the claret and blue.

20-year old Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is back for another go at Aston Villa. As a January loan acquisition, Tuanzebe featured a handful of times before a nasty calf injury ruled him out for three months.

Tuanzebe has rejoined on a season-long loan from the Red Devils:

With Tuanzebe on board, the number of defensive looks for manager Steve Bruce multiplied. The defender brings another centre-back into the mix, which properly allows a 3-back system to thrive if need be. Before the loan acquisition, Bruce would have to settle for either Alan Hutton, James Bree, or Mile Jedinak at CB, alongside James Chester and Tommy Elphick.

But it’s not just that, Tuanzebe can feature at either fullback position against superior wing opponents as an assured defensive presence. We saw it during his previous loan spell.

Moreover, the player is equally adept in midfield, where a No. 6 role could be possible. Glenn Whelan and Birkir Bjarnason are the incumbents right now, but Aston Villa is set to play 50+ matches this season. There is room for ample development along different positions for Tuanzebe as he enter his age-21 season (in November).

At this stage in his career, minutes are key, and there is a place for Tuanzebe opposite Chester in Bruce’s typical 4-back sytsem:

Ultimately, I see Tuanzebe displacing Tommy Elphick and Mile Jedinak, but that time might not come right away. He’ll get settled in and play early cup matches with a spot on the bench for league games. Either Tuanzebe will play himself into the starting XI or Elphick might struggle for a run. With rotation and injuries aplenty, we’ll see a good amount of the defender.

Expect a 2,500+ minute season from Axel Tuanzebe – an Axellent addition indeed.