There are two great left-back options for Unai Emery at Aston Villa. Ian Maatsen has impressed during his appearances. Lucas Digne has been the mainstay at the club, and he is proving to be one of the better LB options in the Premier League.
The Frenchman has a lot of high-level experience. Now, focused on reaching continued newer heights with the club, Digne wants to push the boundaries of what this Villa side can achieve. At the same time, the French international wants to make good showings from his position to earn continued selection from Didier Deschamps.
He will know as much as anyone that this French team squad inclusion only comes with steady, good outings for Villa. Particularly moving forward in the attack, Digne excels at putting the ball in dangerous areas and setting up his teammates for goal-scoring opportunities.
There could be something of a decision for Emery and Monchi to make at the position. Digne and Maatsen are both proving to be exceptional fullbacks. For the Frenchman in particular, he knows what a condensed schedule can mean for the legs and how important it is to have multiple good players ready to step up and take a spot in the starting XI.
This makes the current Villa 'starting 22' approach fitting for Digne. Ultimately, as disclosed in an exclusive with Foot Mercato, the LB shared his desire to play in Champions League while pushing for a place in the Premier League.
Continued focus from Aston Villa defender
For Digne, the aim is to play in the top European competition, but the opportunity to play in the EPL was a chance that he couldn't pass up. Now, after achieving a fair level of success during the 2024-2025 season across multiple fronts, the French international is ready to help the club make a silverware push.
Villa will first wrap up their current Prem campaign. Expect Digne to be a prominent feature of Emery's plan moving forward. While a lot of decisions are going to see different players next season, the duo of Maatsen and Digne remaining is very likely to continue during the 2025-2026 campaign.