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Former Aston Villa star Alan Hutton has urged Unai Emery to sign a players in one key area this month.
Hutton believes Villa are in great need of a new defender to see them through for the rest of the season.
The 40-year-old, who made 185 appearances for the Villans between 2011 and 2019, thinks Pau Torres has been a huge miss since fracturing his metatarsal. That was certainly evident during Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat away at AS Monaco in the Champions League as Villa lacked the ball-playing presence Pau provides.
Former Aston Villa right-back Alan Hutton has urged Unai Emery to sign a new defender.Former Aston Villa right-back Alan Hutton has urged Unai Emery to sign a new defender.
Former Aston Villa right-back Alan Hutton has urged Unai Emery to sign a new defender. | Getty Images
It was an issue further exemplified by Tyrone Mings’ mistake in the first half at Stade Louis-II as the 31-year-old gave away possession cheaply and Monaco scored from the resulting corner. Mings didn’t defend particularly well from the set piece, either, losing an aerial duel with Thilo Kehrer before Wilfried Singo scored on the rebound.
Mings’ howler was a great shame as the former England international has been in excellent form over the past few weeks. He was the first to admit his guilt after the game in fairness but the mistake acted as a stark reminder that Villa could really do with another option to call upon in defence.
Hutton has stressed that very point, suggesting Villa need a little more assistance in their back line. “Pau Torres, I think is a huge miss. He’s gone for a number of weeks as well,” Hutton told Birmingham World via Casino Scout.
“It’s good to see Tyrone Mings back. He’s done well since he’s come back into the team. That defensive area for me, at this moment in time, needs a little bit of help to see them through before the injuries come,” he added.
Hutton delighted by Donyell Malen signing
Despite the lack of a new signing at centre-back, Hutton is delighted with the decision to bring in Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen to add quality and depth on the right flank.
“I genuinely thought something was needed on that wide-right role,” Hutton went on to say. “I think Bailey was brilliant last season. His numbers were really good. He’s had a drop-off this season for whatever reason. Maybe it’s a little bit of confidence or whatever.
“Malen has come in, and he can play anywhere across that front line. He normally played on that right hand side, so I think that’s the reason for him coming in.”
