Aston Villa player ratings vs Monchengladbach saw John McGinn and Emi Buendia emerge as the brightest performers as Unai Emery’s side ended pre-season with a 2-1 defeat in Germany.
Villa were two goals down at the interval after Tim Kleindienst struck twice for Borussia Monchengladbach, with Emery naming a much-changed side only three days after the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain.
The fixture was the final game of Aston Villa’s pre-season schedule before attention turns towards the Premier League opener against Brighton.
McGinn pulled one back after the break following good work from Boubacar Kamara and Buendia, but Villa could not find an equaliser.
More concerning was the sight of Tammy Abraham leaving the pitch after slipping awkwardly early in the second half. Birmingham Live reported on the injury, giving Emery another potential fitness issue to assess before the competitive domestic campaign begins.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Monchengladbach
Marco Bizot – 6
Had little chance with either Kleindienst finish and dealt comfortably enough with the efforts that came directly at him. Another steady outing before being replaced at half-time.
Kosta Nedeljkovic – 6
Given an opportunity from the start and produced one particularly important intervention when Gladbach threatened to add a third before the interval. Still has work to do in possession.
Victor Lindelof – 6
Generally composed despite Villa struggling collectively during the first half. Did not do much wrong individually before his afternoon ended shortly before the hour.
Tyrone Mings – 5.5
Villa looked vulnerable during Gladbach’s strongest spell and the defending from the corner for the second goal will frustrate Emery. Mings later moved across the back line after the substitutions.
Triston Rowe – 5.5
Another useful senior opportunity for the youngster, although Villa struggled to find him often enough in attacking areas. Had a difficult assignment defensively.
Lamare Bogarde – 5.5
Worked hard without having enough influence on Villa’s possession. Made some useful defensive interventions but the midfield struggled to control the opening period.
Ross Barkley – 5
A frustrating first half. Gave Villa problems with some loose possession in deeper areas and rarely managed to dictate the game before improving slightly after Kamara arrived.
Alysson – 6.5
One of Villa’s more threatening starters. Looked willing to run directly at defenders and played with the confidence expected after an encouraging cameo against PSG.
Luka Lynch – 6
Showed some neat touches and protected possession well when Gladbach tried to pressure him. Another encouraging first-team opportunity for the academy midfielder.
George Hemmings – 6
Could not reproduce the same impact he made against PSG but continued to look comfortable around senior players. Created an opening for himself before half-time without finding the target.
Tammy Abraham – 5
Barely had the service required to influence the game before his injury brought an early end to his afternoon. The immediate concern will now be his availability rather than his performance.
McGinn and Buendia change the game
James Wright – 6
Introduced at the interval and enjoyed a relatively quiet second half as Villa became more competitive.
Matty Cash – 6.5
Helped Villa look considerably more secure down the right after coming on. A useful 45 minutes following his involvement against PSG.
Ian Maatsen – 6
Immediately provided more attacking ambition on the left and found himself in a promising shooting position, but could not make the chance count.
Boubacar Kamara – 7
Villa gained greater control once Kamara entered the midfield. Helped start the move for McGinn’s goal and showed why his presence remains so important to Emery.
John McGinn – 7.5
Changed the energy of the performance and gave Villa a route back into the match with a clever close-range finish. The captain looked far sharper than many of those who started.
Emi Buendia – 7.5
Villa’s most creative player after the interval. Found pockets of space, competed well without the ball and supplied McGinn for the goal.
Brad Burrowes – 6
Thrown into the centre-forward role following Abraham’s injury. Worked hard against experienced defenders without receiving many clear openings.
Pau Torres – 6
Another valuable half-hour as he builds towards full match sharpness. Villa looked calmer in possession during the closing stages.
Jamal Jimoh-Aloba – 6
Should probably have made it 2-2 after breaking through late on. The finish was missing, but getting into such a dangerous position was encouraging.
Villa leave Germany with one major concern
Pre-season results will quickly be forgotten once competitive football starts, particularly after Emery rotated heavily following the Super Cup.
Villa’s second-half response was far more encouraging than the opening 45 minutes. Kamara provided greater control while McGinn and Buendia gave the attack urgency and quality.
Abraham’s condition is now the issue Emery will want resolved quickly.
Villa already have a demanding Premier League campaign ahead, and another attacking absence would reduce Emery’s options just as his squad moves from preparation into competitive football.
The scoreline at Borussia-Park is unlikely to worry Villa for long. Abraham limping out of their final friendly might.
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