Only Villa could sign one of the best progressive CBs in the world and have the title be "are Villa's transfers making them worse" 😭

Although I agree with your assessments, I think you’re forgetting about Diego Carlos. In his last season at Sevilla, he was winning more aerial duels than Mings, at 65.6% success rate. Mings primary weakness is his one on one defending. His 45% of dribblers tackled is quite worrying. Carlos seems to be solid in all areas and is definitely their most well rounded centre back. I think he’ll be able to adapt and complement whoever is playing next to him (if he can stay fit)

9:22 “Mings is admittedly reinstated to the team because it becomes clear that aerially they suspect without him” Carlos snapped his Achilles tendon!

As a Newcastle fan I’m really impressed with Villas business. Bringing Monchi in as well is a massive win for them behind the scenes too

Would love a video on evidence for a decline in players after X number of games played rather than just age. You mentioned a couple of examples but there are plenty who keep going despite starting young e.g. giggs and milner. Seems to be more a question of motivation / off field issues and injuries?

To the Mings issue, I have a feeling that Ezri Konsa will move to RB - Ashley Young wasn't just cover for Cash, his defensive first attitude actually made him the preferred choice last season - this is to compensate for Moreno's attacking role. This would leave Diego Carlos (an absolute unit) to move into RCB and partner Pau Torres. Having 3 CBs would solve this loss of aerial ability. Aha - you've suggested this in the end of the video! So yes, I believe Mings unfortunately is dropped, but will obviously still play a huge role in the squad.

Unai played last season with a narrow back 3 and pushed Moreno on. Reality is Mings won't be dropped. It will be him and Torres at CB with Konsa moved to RB. Villa having these quality CBs, not to mention a Diego Carlos with a point to prove surely can't make Villa worse.

This aged well

Good video but you appear to have forgotten about the existence of Diego Carlos, wouldn't he add the physical presence on the right hand side with Torres on the left?

Theres also diego carlos they got last year at cb but was injured most season

What about Lisandro Martinez? They said he wasn't tall and physical enough for the prem. I don't think it will matter as much if they can hold the ball and play a high line or some sort of way that mitigates crosses.

The Torres/Mings aerial point is interesting, but you were bending over backwards trying to think of problems for the rest of this video. A very strange video from Tifo.

When I saw the title I thought "This has to be a stupid video". Having watched it now it makes so much sense, this is why I love this channel, they explain things so well and highlight issues I would've never seen. Very handy as an FPL manager

Ah yes, improved squad depth and quality players always make a team worse. 'WhY dO vIlLa FaNs NoT lIkE uS?'

We want more Sensible Transfers's episodes!

"why do Villa fans always get mad at us"

Tifo were wrong when they said gerrard was doing well for us and wrong when the said emerys form wouldnt last the season. Hopefully they keep up this streak of awful stat based predictions with no context

Other clubs videos - "hey, here are some positive improvements you could make" Villa video's - "the transfers you've made are rubbish and you are a bang average team"

Sam does make some good points. However, Emery is known to adapt his tactics depending on the opposition. Sam also pointed out that we needed to recruit bec9we are competing on four fronts. There will be plenty of rotation giving Tielemans plenty of breaks and making sure that Torres is used in matches that suit his skill set. Om top of that I'm sure Emery will be keen to develop Torres as a player and over time he will improve in the air.

Hats off to Tifo for hiring Ed Sheeran for their videos.

Did they even bother to analyze Emery's villarial before making this video? If they did then none of these would make sense to them

Remember when Tifo said Emery's form wouldnt last and then we finished 7th.

Gotta be Phil Jones for me. His ability to head the ball 6 inches off the ground was unmatched.

It is ridiculous that there is only 1 villa video for months, and it's a negative take on universally celebrated signings. And one that forgets some of our key players exist.

“I’m at a loss as to how this will work..” is the most common response to an Emery team.

Really fascinating video, raised a lot of generally interesting football points as well as the ones specific to villa like the amount of career minutes played in comparison to a player's age. More Sam in the future please!

Well that was basically a video to scaremonger based on one stat that Torres doesn’t really do alot of heading - what a stretch. Unai did a great job with minimal time to place long term tactics. With a whole preseason and an abundance of stats, expect a very adaptable Villa with changing “templates” to actually win games by implementing more than one tactic.

Last season Tifo were criticising us for outscoring our XG. Now they’re questioning us for strengthening our squad. Weird

As a United fan, I think this analysis is based on the same flawed reasoning that saw Maguire signed for a then record fee for United and that argued why a player like Lisandro Martinez would not work. Aerial duels are an important aspect of the game and still needs to be handled, but arguably, passing from the back has become more essential. The main difference to me is that the passing ability from the back comes first, then other aspects like aerial threat, one-on-one duels etc are built around that. United did this by having varane next to Martinez or Maguire next to Lindelöf. Having Carlos, Konsa or Mings partner Torres will compensate for his lack of aerial threat. I would argue that with Torres, Villa arguably have the best defence in the top 5 only bettered by City, United, Newcastle, Liverpool. Tottenham, chelsea, brighton need to make some big signings to catch up now. P.S. I take offense to analysts talking trash about Lindelöf. Objectively speaking, the lad would be an automatic starter for any team outside the top 5, and even be a great squad player for pretty much any team except for City.

Excellent click bait title with not a huge amount said. The last point was the only thing relevant. Villa need depth and experienced players who have played in europe. They needed depth at CB as well. UE is a great manager who is well aware of all of these things, as is all of the Villa fan base. These videos are always very static by looking at the data, how villa played a few games (from a relatively small sample) and never consider how players can be coached into positions or what new tactics or ways of playing might be tried. If you play the same way, with the same players you're dead in the water. Every coach has to adapt but if you start doing something different it 'makes them worse'. Could have chosen a narrative of ' This is an interesting signing, I wonder how Villa will adapt considering they want to push on and do well in Europe, here is how they might setup or change'.

Yes Sam Tighe!! Been following your work since B/R days! Great appointment The Athletic :)

Diego Carlos getting seriously injured wasnt exactly planned for Villa. Seriously hampered them. If they're both fit, Torres and Carlos will work together well as a pair

Obviously it's not as natural for him but Pau Torres does play right centre back for Spain when he plays with Laporte

How many times did Mings play RCB for England when Maguire was LCB? I've felt that the most likely outcome is Mings moves to RCB and Konsa moves to RB and Pau Torres does the John Stones thing. Moreno and Ramsey are likely to miss the opening games though injury so it will be a while before we get an answer.

Although I understand the point, Pau Torres stands at 6'3, surely working with Mings might improve his airiel game right?

I agree that CB wasn't a priority area to sign a new player however I was amazed when Emery turned us into one of the form teams in Europe after only signing one first team player. If he wanted Pau Torres as much as it seems then I trust in whatever he's doing.

On Pau torres, villa are already quite solid at the back and i think pau really raises the ceiling of the team (rather than the floor). Mings is great but hes also 30 now, Pau is 26. I see Pau and Konsa as long term partners when mings starts feeling his legs go. On tielemans, he is certainly an upgrade on both Sanson and Nakamba as an option on the bench. Kamara has also missed a lot of games injured last season and I feel much more comfortable with Tielemans there than dragging an attack minded player back. If Villa are able to get Diaby through the door from Leverkusen, that can improve the depth and flexibility in attacking areas. I also think that even when that deal is done it wont be the last one this transfer window. This is the first time in years us Villa fans have had any kind of optimism stop trying to burst our collective bubble! 😆

Some valid points, but odd that Diego Carlos wasn't mentioned. He is a much more physical center half, right sided, so could complement Torres. Also worth noting Emery's success/record in the Europa League. He will want success in that competition and for that, you need better control of the ball. Torres will bring that so think he's been brought in with that in mind.

Ok, I’m concerned. This guy knows so much better than Unai & frankly, I’m resigned to relegation now 😢

Good video but I would like to see further analysis on players that start earlier declining earlier. Doesn't make sense to me at all right now.

Moreno 15:45 pushes forward Pau , Mings, Konsa at the back. You’re wrong about Ashley young he wasn’t covering he was largely preferred for his defensive abilities which is why with seeing no links to RB so far people generally assuming maybe Konsa / Carlos (also decent in the air) will take over maybe after a full preseason. I doubt emery has overlooked the glaringly obvious importance of mings in the air given he’s usually known for his attention to detail.

i think the reliance on defenders being dominant in the air has decreased . martinez ,saliba ,ake and now torres signify that . thats why goalkeeper are now becoming the spine of teams , crosses into the box are now being relied on them to claim it instead of cbs clearing it

At Arsenal Emery started leaning into 3 at the back - it makes sense for Pau to push up middle and have the 2 CB's fill in for him. It also makes up for your fullback weakness

Just to opine on this masterful analytical video, I want to say that when Emery was at Arsenal, he actually played 3 at the back for his tenure there, he has done it in his last season at Sevilla and PSG when he lost the Champs league with. However, it's not a tactic he is particularly excellent at. He rarely uses the personnel he has to execute it well. It could work at Villa but you highlighted the issues, it will be the full backs as it seems like he is reverting again to 3 at the back. He does this all the time so expect the same thing he did at Arsenal where he employed so many different strategies and it wasn't as cohesive in the 2nd season. Why he is changing it when it worked well for him, idk but that 3 at the back with 2 ball playing CBs with Torres and Konsa and Ming in the middle to cover seems like the plan or it could just seem like this but Torres does a Stones role and goes into midfield and it reverts to their same old 451 tactic with Mings and Konsa retained. That last part may be what he is trying out.

Apparently not mate

Pau Torres' aerial duel % is the same as Saliba's and Gabriel's, and better than L. Martinez. Also, he's had a far higher % for the previous 2 seasons (over 60%), same as Ruben Dias. Saliba, Gabriel, Martinez, Dias? I'm ok with that company. I know he'll face tougher aerial competition in the PL, but the basic % aren't as big a problem as made out to be.

I love Tifo but this is a weak video, you literally say squad depth is needed for a 50+ game season right at the start of the video. Mings, Konsa, Carlos and Torres. Outstanding squad depth. Its also possible that Moreno could start LM/LW with Mings or even Pau as a LB/ wide centre back

One huge problem villa had last season which was when Kamara was out for half the season and was getting back up to speed after being injured was that we didn't have a holding midfielder who was a rolls Royce on the ball, was comfortable facing their own goal and could make progressive passes from deep but with only really expensive options in the window in that position to share the workload with Kamara like a 70 mill Paulinha emery's bought who he knows in Torres to switch to a 3 at the back so when Kamara's out we play a 3-2 back five where we don't need a direct Kamara replacement and when Kamara's fit I can easily see us playing a diamond back four in either a 352 formation or a 343 formation so we look like either Torres Carlos. Mings Kamara Cash. Luiz. Moreno Mcginn Diaby. Watkins Or the same diamond back four but Cash Luiz. Moreno Ramsey/Archer/Bailey Diaby. Watkins.

I would wonder if Emery is considering a back three system? I feel like it could help find a better spot for Cash on the right. And solves the Bailey problem as well by not needing him out there as often. Idk.

We were desperate for a player like Torres despite his weaknesses, it was really frustrating last season watching Konsa constantly make 5 yard passes to Young, Cash, Kamara and Mings making no progression whatsoever. I like Konsa he’s a solid player but he has as much vision for a pass as Stevie wonder.

Why not use a box midfield with Luiz mcginn Ramsey and kam then have Moreno push up to higher lefts of the pitch inverting Konsa as a Cb/irb then have Bailey with width on the right and Watkins down the Center with Mings central and Torres Lcb Watkins Moreno. Mcginn. Tiimens . Bailey Kamara. Luiz Torres. Mings. Konsa martinez

Not a villa fan, but enjoyed this, great analysis and thankful it's not another top 6 video. Interesting about Mings, I always thought he came across as a slight liability as he's got an error in him, and his aggression can sometimes cause him to jump into tackles and leave a hole behind him. But like you said, every team needs a CB that is strong and dominant so it'll be interesting to see where he fits into the team.

I suppose Diego Carlos plays Tennis then ?

Usually really rate the vids on this channel but this one just didn’t hit for me. Purchased two players that make their starting 11 stronger (or at the very least improve bench options for the cup competitions they’re in) and you’re questioning whether they will make the team worse? One of the players is known very well by Emery so I fail to see how he makes the team worse. Not sure they need a RB that much. In possession they go to a back 3 with Moreno going forward and the RB coming into the back 3, which means Emery likes the RB to have qualities of a ball playing CB. Konsa fits that profile pretty well so I reckon he will back up Cash. Also doesn’t matter that both Torres and Mings play LCB bcos it’s highly unlikely that they will be the number 1 partnership, Diego Carlos is right footed and plays RCB (only played LCB when paired with Kounde bcos his left foot is incredibly good and he’s better on it than Kounde is on his) so I think it’ll be him at RCB and Torres at LCB. Yes they will miss the ability to defend the box well from Mings, but Diego Carlos can do that just almost as well as Mings while also being much better on the ball. Looks like they’re addressing the RW problem bcos they’ve been heavily liked with Diaby. There is the argument that Tielemans has played a lot of football. But that also means he’s got a lot of experience, with a lot of that experience coming in European competitions which will be vital for Villa as not many of their players have that. Think we will see him mainly play in Europe so it won’t be like he’s playing a ridiculous amount of minutes. Sorry for the essay and negativity I just really don’t see how their business could possibly make their team worse.

- Pau Torres will just play RCB which he does with Spain, which is only going to improve their already excellent defense - The argument about Tielemans' minutes is weak. He's only 26 and as Sam said, won't play the same minutes as he was at Leicester. Just an incredible depth option - Both signings have definitely made them better - The transfer window isn't over

Without watching the entire vid, I'm 100 % sure they gonna mention that a CB in the team can play a long ball.

You’re assuming that Villa will stick to the same formation. I think Villa are heading for 3 cbs in the starting line up & playing between Mings & Konsa almost as a sweeper.

Very interesting and informative video but I don't think that Pau Torres is necessarily going to be a problem for Villa. While aerial ability is undoubtedly important for a centre back, it isn't everything. Many thought Lisandro Martinez would struggle at United because of his height and he's been excellent. Mings has great aerial ability but he can be a bit of a liability with his feet. If Diego Carlos provides the physicality and Torres the finesse, that could potentially be a great partnership.

This aged fabulously with Aston Villa in 3rd

Expect it will start with Mings RCB. Cash or Konsa playing in the Rb/RCB back 3 when Moreno goes up (same happened last season) If Diego Carlos comes back the same player he was at Sevilla he plays RCB over Mings.. big, strong, good in the air. We have a lot of games to help settle into how we will play

This didn't age well. Pau is tearing it up and Tielemans settling well

that last statement is me on Kai Havertz

Please Tifo, leave the full screen shot of the team up for longer when you cut to it. At least the first time, so we read and digest each position. Thanks!

All I’m saying is, I’m so glad Unai Emery is managing Villa and not you. We are strengthening in areas Emery has identified. Also doing a video when we’re at the start of the transfer window rather than at the end, when all of the transfers aren’t complete yet is just ridiculous. You’re forgetting Carlos. Why not a back 3? Why not 2 left footers at CB? Why is playing with 2 right footers ok but not 2 left footers? I can guarantee Mings will play a lot of football next year. Mings might play against teams that put balls in the box. Let Emery cook

Some mental gymnastics on the Tielemans point. Of course a player can burn out early, but it's much more a question of how much they take care of their body and whether they avoid major injuries or not. That and their mental willpower/motivation.

I understand the winger concern, that's probably why Villa are now going for Diaby

Hell yeah good to see Sam at Tifo again.

Big fan of Sam Tighe ever since Rank Squad. Good to see him here with great analysis and assertiveness

Lukaku peeked early? When was that?

The video should have been addressed as Sensible transfer for Aston Villa. With some suggestions of which players should Aston villa sign.

They should sign Phil Jones, hes a free agent and a beast in the air

This is one of the few tifo videos I disagree with. 5 games without Ming’s is a super small sample size. Mings can play with Torres. Just seen to be forgetting Carlos? Also the negatives for tielemans seem so loose? Like alright he’s played a lot of games for his age? So have a lot of other players? Should teams stop getting 26 year olds on free transfers now? I can appreciate asking interesting questions about transfers. But to say that Villa are weaker with two great players added to their team? Just don’t know why anyone would have that take.

I remember thinking the same about Kalidou Koulibaly last year...

I think this person is the first Tifo presenter who I was able to follow from start to finish, without my attention getting shifted

Not me patiently waiting for a sensible transfers video on Villa just to wake up and see tifo throwing shade at our existing new signings. I'd put my life in Unai's hands so im not worried

Let’s be honest, they’ve thought about all these transfers and are much better qualified than me or you, and on paper are still incredible transfers. So no. They’re not ‘getting worse’ by signing these elite players. And tielemans deteriorating is such a WEIRD thing to say. Because he was playing young means he’s getting worse in his prime? Crazy statement 💀

Formation change to a back 3, with Mings in the middle, looks excellent though doesn’t it?

Where did you get those football shirt things from?

Excellent and insightful video 🙌🏼 One important factor to add: Diego Carlos He’s right footed Very strong in the aerial duel space, which would cover Torres’ weakness (as would Mings) He can also pick a pass, which is part of Unai’s philosophy So, potentially Torres and Carlos could partner up

Pau always struck me as a dmf rather than a cb in terms of attributes and stats. I’d love to see if his awareness and movement would break down opponents attacks, then maybe one quick long pass turning it into attack themselves.

Tbh its worrying but Mings is very error prone so you could make an argument that he can give away a goal through an error whereas they can hire a set piece coach to find a defensive solution. Having a fantastic ball playing CB is more crucial imo. Tielemans didnt have the best season last season but he will add depth to Villa, hes quality. And they signed Diaby and well so they will be much better. They need a Rb now and they have a very good team.

Brilliant video. Really insightful but is accessible.

Love these videos by Sam! ❤

For midfielder, take an example of the great luca modric who raise again at the age of 35... tielemans would have a high years and its an advantage for experience. Remember, they are a CM not winger who need extra speed or any pyhsical atribute

I’m really not sure I’m buying the ‘start early, burn out early’ concept. It’s an interesting pub conversation with your mates, but I really don’t think it holds much weight. I feel it more comes down to an individual’s injury record and their attitude.

could always do what aresenal did with Ben white where you play them at LB/RB cause they're weak in the air and just let the full back on the other side fly down the wing, which would suit matty cash on the other side

Please do a sensible transfers for Ajax! It's what the people want

These players are brilliant on paper

Get it and good analysis. Is one of the weaknesses that we are 'very set"? Doesn't this give us the ability to cater a team around oppositions weaknesses?

Interesting video. But answered your own question - Mings will likely be tried at RCB, which effectively becomes the middle CB when Villa will be in possession, so the fact he's left footed shouldnt be a problem. And if that doesnt work Diego Carlos is next man up as a physical RCB.

I think we'll see Konsa or Carlos as the very defensive right back while our left back Moreno will advance far uo the pitch as we have seen. Leaving Mings as the right sided centre back and Torres as the left. But really Mings is centre of the three with a lopsided formation. I really can't see any other way but whatever Emery does, he has our trust!

I agree it's strange to buy a center back when you already have a good team (but doesn't every bug team plays with 3 center backs even if one plays on the side) but "make the team worse" doesn't seem fair, I think the title is not good but the video is. Pau Torres is so good at the ball you said it, all big teams have good players on the ball because It's needed in modern football. And I know in tifo you love stats, but Pau scored goals from set pieces before. He is not that bad at it and he is really tall also. Are this stats based from this season? Because it wasn't is best year at Villarreal... I agree with what you mostly said along the video but can't agree with this title.

Remember Ricardo Carvalho? Top level Premier league player.

Good video Sam/Tifo, other than forgetting Diego Carlos ;) oh and the click bait headline. But nice analysis overall!

No mention of Jacob Ramsey. Good young player coming through, did well last season.

Great video - more of this presenter please!

A really interesting take on the transfers.

Brilliant analysis, we’ve signed a CB who can’t head the ball 😢 in a league that is physical. Aerial challenges are part of the game in the Premier League. It’s not about size it’s aggression, determination to win the ball. Look at Martinez at United as an example. Unless there’s a change in formation not sure how this will work unless he only plays in Europe. Pre-season should provide some pointers. Not looking forward to games against, Bournemouth, Brentford, Luton, Everton, Sheffield United,Fulham, West Ham😅

As a villa fan he makes some interesting points, but i trust Emery knows what hes doing.

Interesting point on how many minutes tielemans has played. Do you think that’s why a player like aouar has also dropped off despite showing such promise in previous years?