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Aston Villa’s best XI feature in preseason finale at Rennes

By Andrew Capitelli

Aston Villas defender Deigo Carlos acknowledges his supporters during the friendly football match between Stade Rennais and Aston Villa, at the Roazhon Park stadium in Rennes, western France on July 30, 2022. (Photo by Damien Meyer / AFP) (Photo by DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images)
Aston Villas defender Deigo Carlos acknowledges his supporters during the friendly football match between Stade Rennais and Aston Villa, at the Roazhon Park stadium in Rennes, western France on July 30, 2022. (Photo by Damien Meyer / AFP) (Photo by DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Aston Villa wrapped up an undefeated 2022/23 preseason on Saturday after securing a 2-1 win at Ligue 1’s Rennes.

Manager Steven Gerrard fielded what could very well be his strongest side with the likes of Ezri Konsa, Douglas Luiz, and Leon Bailey all featuring in France.

Villa fell behind seven minutes in but found an equalizer in the 14th minute when Lucas Digne found Bailey in the box with a left-sided cross. The Jamaican scuffed the shot but beat the Rennes keeper after the ball took an opportune bounce.

Ashley Young, introduced in the second half, provided service from a corner in the 81st minute, and Diego Carlos met the cross with his head to fire Villa to victory.

Despite the win, it was an underwhelming performance from Villa’s strongest XI. Ollie Watkins had chances to score but couldn’t convert, though it must be said his work rate was top-notch and paid off in the lead up to Bailey’s goal.

Watkins played up top with Bailey and Philippe Coutinho in support in positions that likened them more to wingers than attacking midfielders. The trio had its moments, with Coutinho looking bright, but overall Gerrard would have expected the unit to generate more opportunities.

Luiz and John McGinn played in more advanced positions with Boubacar Kamara sitting in front of the defense at the base of a midfield triangle. They were pretty unremarkable, but Kamara, at times, showed us exactly why he was so sought after in the market, breaking up plays and moving the ball forward quickly.

Carlos–even before his goal–looked good again. You’d say in terms of central defense, he’s the only player that’s locked down a starting role for Saturday’s tilt at Bournemouth. Konsa has the inside track to be his partner with former captain Tyrone Mings likely to start from the bench.

Matty Cash and Digne will be key for Gerrard’s side in the wide areas, going forward and in defense. Digne picked up an assist against Rennes but overall the duo was also unremarkable.

Emi Martinez played the entire 90 minutes and will again be key for the Villans in 2022/23.

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