---
title: "Why Matteo Ruggeri could solve Aston Villa’s left-back problem"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/05/why-matteo-ruggeri-could-solve-aston-villas-left-back-problem/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2026-08-05T19:50:04Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T11:11:25Z"
---

# Why Matteo Ruggeri could solve Aston Villa’s left-back problem

**Matteo Ruggeri could give Aston Villa exactly the kind of competition Unai Emery needs on the left side of his defence.**

The deal has moved significantly closer after Atlético Madrid accepted Villa’s proposal. The package could reach around €25million, although Ruggeri still needs to approve the move.

[ReadAstonVilla reported](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/05/aston-villa-agree-20m-matteo-ruggeri-deal-as-final-hurdle-remains/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) on Wednesday that the agreement between the clubs is in place, leaving the defender’s decision as the final significant hurdle.

If Villa can convince him, Emery would be adding a player who offers something different to Ian Maatsen.

> 🚨🇮🇹 JUST IN: Matteo Ruggeri has not yet given a definitive “yes” to the transfer to Aston Villa.\
> \
> The player is very happy in Madrid, even though the club considers him available for transfer.\
> \
> The parties are continuing to work on reaching an agreement.\
> \
> \[🎖️: [@MatteMoretto](https://x.com/MatteMoretto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)\] [pic.twitter.com/kdhroDSwwa](https://t.co/kdhroDSwwa)
>
> — Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) [August 5, 2026](https://x.com/atletiuniverse/status/2085007014745497955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Matteo Ruggeri Aston Villa move adds genuine competition

Maatsen remains a major part of Villa’s long-term plans.

The Netherlands international played 1,599 Premier League minutes last season, while Villa have previously viewed him as their long-term first-choice option on the left.

Ruggeri would not necessarily arrive to push Maatsen out of the team.

Instead, the Italian could give Emery another profile.

At 6ft 1in, Ruggeri has greater physical presence and is comfortable operating either as a conventional left-back or higher as a wing-back. His ability to cover ground and deliver from wide areas was evident throughout his first season in Spain.

Ruggeri registered **seven assists in 47 appearances across all competitions** for Atlético. AS also reported that his performances increased his market value substantially during the campaign.

In La Liga alone, he contributed three assists from 1,775 minutes. [FotMob ranks his chance creation positively](https://www.fotmob.com/en-GB/players/1051097/matteo-ruggeri?utm_source=chatgpt.com) compared with other full-backs and records particularly strong defensive contribution numbers.

## Ruggeri could give Emery tactical flexibility

Emery rarely asks his full-backs to perform identical roles.

Maatsen’s pace and ability to combine in tight areas can make him particularly dangerous when Villa want to attack quickly. Ruggeri provides greater size and crossing threat while retaining the ability to advance aggressively from the left.

That difference could become particularly useful across a season involving domestic and European football.

Villa had already been looking for another left-back this summer. [ReadAstonVilla reported on Tuesday that Villa had made their move for Ruggeri](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/04/coming-hours-aston-villa-make-move-to-sign-24m-defender/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), with the Italian considering Emery’s proposal.

Atlético’s own squad planning has now increased the possibility of an exit.

Alejandro Grimaldo has arrived to strengthen Diego Simeone’s options, while Ruggeri has been left out of the travelling squad for Atlético’s South Korea tour as he considers Villa and other proposals.

A reported package approaching €25m is not insignificant for a player who would have to compete with Maatsen.

However, Villa are not simply buying reserve cover.

Ruggeri is 24, has Champions League experience and has already shown he can produce consistently from a demanding wide role. He would give Emery another starting-quality option rather than leaving the squad dependent on one specialist left-back.

The remaining question is whether Ruggeri chooses Villa.

If he does, Emery could have two very different solutions to the same position.