Matteo Ruggeri has earned praise in Spain, with AS suggesting his Tottenham performance could prompt an Aston Villa selection rethink when Unai Emery has his full squad available.
The assessment follows another milestone for the 24-year-old, who made his senior Italy debut in Monday’s 4–1 victory over Turkey.
Roberto Mancini started the defender after initially calling him into the squad to replace the injured Federico Dimarco.
Matteo Ruggeri builds momentum at Aston Villa
Ruggeri’s international breakthrough follows an important change in his club circumstances.
Ian Maatsen’s ankle injury opened a route into Emery’s side. The summer arrival started the Carabao Cup win at Coventry before completing 90 minutes in Villa’s 3–2 victory over Tottenham.
Those appearances have given him a platform after limited early opportunities following his move from Atlético Madrid.
Our earlier assessment of Ruggeri’s response to Maatsen’s absence examined the value of having another specialist available on the left.
October offers chance to strengthen his claim
For Villa, the next test is whether Ruggeri can maintain that level across a demanding run of matches.
Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup commitments will place different demands on Emery’s defence. Having two credible options at left-back would give him greater freedom to rotate and adapt.
Maatsen’s eventual return will sharpen that competition.
For now, Ruggeri has the opportunity to turn an injury-enforced opening into a sustained run. Consistency through Villa’s next block of fixtures will carry more weight than one encouraging international night.
