Aston Villa’s right-back options deserve renewed attention after Luis Díaz caused serious problems during Friday’s 2-1 defeat against Bayern Munich.
Matty Cash remains Unai Emery’s established first choice, but Bayern offered a reminder of how demanding that role becomes against elite wide players.
Díaz transformed the game after his introduction and repeatedly attacked Villa’s right side before scoring Bayern’s second goal. ReadAstonVilla’s player ratings from the Bayern defeat highlighted a difficult evening for Villa when Bayern increased the tempo.
With Paris Saint-Germain waiting in Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup, it is an area Emery cannot ignore.
Aston Villa right-back depth faces elite examination
Cash has been a reliable part of Emery’s team and made 35 Premier League appearances last season.
His durability is valuable, particularly during another campaign containing Champions League football. The question is less about replacing Cash and more about whether Villa possess enough alternatives when the tactical demands change.
Bayern demonstrated why that matters.
A post-match assessment of Luis Díaz’s performance noted how the Colombian immediately caused Cash difficulties after entering in the 63rd minute. Ten minutes later, he had Bayern’s second goal.
Díaz could isolate his defender, accelerate into space and attack directly.
Villa will face that calibre of winger regularly this season.
Cash cannot reasonably be expected to play every important match, while Andrés García has already joined Getafe on a season-long loan.
Kosta Nedeljkovic provides another natural right-back option and Lamare Bogarde can operate there, but neither currently offers Cash’s combination of Premier League experience and familiarity with Emery’s structure.
That leaves Villa vulnerable if Cash is unavailable or struggling during a game.
Bayern warning matters before Aston Villa face PSG
Friday was still a friendly and should be treated accordingly.
Cash was facing one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking players while Villa were completing a demanding Asian tour. Individual pre-season performances should not decide a player’s standing within the squad.
The broader lesson is more useful.
ReadAstonVilla’s analysis of the Bayern defeat identified how quickly elite opposition can punish Villa when their defensive structure begins to open.
PSG will present the same threat on a considerably bigger occasion.
Villa then have eight Champions League league-phase fixtures alongside their Premier League commitments. Emery needs defensive options capable of coping with different opponents rather than simply enough players to fill each position.
The potential departure of Ezri Konsa would make that even more important because the England international can also cover at right-back when required.
Cash remains Villa’s leading option.
Friday simply showed why Emery may need another dependable solution behind him.
Villa’s summer recruitment has already addressed midfield and left-back, but the right side of defence could yet become another area worth watching before the window closes.
