UEFA have singled out Boubacar Kamara as Aston Villa’s key player ahead of their Champions League return, with one statistic underlining just how important the midfielder has become under Unai Emery.
The governing body’s official guide to all 36 league-phase clubs names Kamara as Villa’s standout player and reveals the club have won close to 60 per cent of their matches with him in the team since his arrival, compared with only 40 per cent without him.
That 20-percentage-point difference looks particularly significant after Villa’s dramatic midfield rebuild this summer.
UEFA single out Boubacar Kamara for Aston Villa
UEFA describe Kamara as a player who improves those around him and reference John McGinn’s previous assessment of the Frenchman as “one of the best midfielders in Europe.”
It is considerable recognition for a player whose importance can sometimes be less obvious than that of Villa’s attacking stars.
Kamara does not need to score or assist regularly to influence games.
His positioning gives Emery protection in front of the defence, while his security in possession allows Villa’s other midfielders to take greater risks.
That is why we previously looked at how Kamara’s return could reshape Aston Villa’s midfield after he came back from a lengthy knee injury during pre-season.
The timing of that comeback now looks even more important.
Youri Tielemans left for Manchester United during the summer, while Amadou Onana suffered a long-term ACL injury. Villa responded by adding João Gomes and Leon Goretzka, with Johan Manzambi another option once fully fit.
Our analysis of Villa’s strongest post-window XI still had one straightforward midfield selection.
Kamara.
Aston Villa need Kamara even more after summer rebuild
Villa’s midfield may be deeper than it was several weeks ago, but it is also far less settled.
Goretzka is still building towards full fitness.
Manzambi has only just returned to group training following his knee problem.
João Gomes is unavailable for Saturday’s meeting with Hull through suspension.
That leaves Kamara carrying considerable responsibility during the opening weeks of the season.
His European experience should matter too.
Kamara played 72 minutes of Villa’s UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last month and completed 90 per cent of his passes, according to UEFA’s competition statistics.
Villa’s Champions League campaign begins next week after qualifying as Europa League winners, with UEFA also identifying club-record signing Johan Manzambi as the club’s major summer arrival.
But it is Kamara they have labelled the key player.
Given the difference between Villa’s record with and without him, it is difficult to argue.
Villa have spent heavily rebuilding Emery’s squad.
One of their most important players remains the midfielder they signed on a free transfer from Marseille.
