Aston Villa 2017-18 player preview: Jordan Amavi

It has been a strange summer for the flashy 23-year-old Jordan Amavi. He was off to Sevilla. And then he wasn’t. And credit to the player — he put his head down and carried on with preseason training. Ed Note: It is kinda sad that in this modern football age it is actually a credit that a fit wasn’t thrown — but there you are.

As a fullback — Amavi is aggressive and loves to dribble and cross. 2016/17 was rough at times for the Frenchman seeing a nearly 10% drop in pass success versus his nine starts in the 15/16 campaign (Whoscored). He also tends to struggle at the defending end of his role having been caught out more times than a left back should be — and racking up six yellow cards in 26 starts last year.

The potential is there — Sevilla see it, Villa see it — but can it come out on the pitch remains the question. Amavi is going to need cover from his defensive partners — or to be pushed up the field as a winger/wide midfielder (which presents other issues). Left back is not a deep position at Villa Park — so it could be a big year for Jordan Amavi — provided he does not find the exit door (and pass the medical).