Has Clement Has Lenglet found his true home at Aston Villa?

When Clement Lenglet arrived at Aston Villa on loan last September, few could have anticipated his dramatic rise to prominence. After a quiet start on the sidelines, the French defender has emerged as a cornerstone of Villa's defence under manager Unai Emery.

Injuries forced Lenglet into the starting lineup during the winter period, and he has seized the opportunity. In eight of Villa's last ten Premier League games, he has anchored the defence alongside Pau Torres, revitalising a previously leaky backline.

Lenglet's presence has been felt in all facets of defence. His aerial dominance, well-timed tackles, and calm distribution have been crucial. Against Fulham, he stood tall with eight clearances and a 98% pass success rate (Sofascore), helping secure a hard-fought 2-1 away win.

Beyond his defensive prowess, Lenglet brings the passing precision honed at Barcelona. Former Premier League star Micah Richards praised his composure, adding, "You can see why Barcelona signed him from Sevilla [in 2018]." This skill lets Villa launch attacks from deep in their own half.

Aston Villa now hold fourth place in the Premier League, two points above Tottenham and boasts one of the stingiest defences since Lenglet's inclusion. Their sights are set firmly on Champions League qualification.

After falling out of favour at Barcelona, Lenglet is enjoying his resurgence. "I went through complicated moments," he acknowledged, "but I feel the confidence of the coach and fans."

If Lenglet maintains his form, he could achieve a personal milestone - playing in the Champions League, a stage he never reached at the Camp Nou. It would be a remarkable turnaround for the revitalised defender.

Lenglet's revitalisation at Villa has sparked an intriguing debate: should the club pursue a permanent transfer? At 28, Lenglet is in the prime of his career, promising defensive stability as Villa chase Champions League football.

The lingering concern is his occasional lapses in concentration. However, these instances are becoming increasingly rare as he develops a strong understanding with his teammates. Should he play a central role in propelling Villa into Europe this season, the fans will undoubtedly want to secure his future at the club.