---
title: "Spanish media hails Aston Villa’s Ruggeri as summer signing threatens to shake up Emery’s pecking order"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/29/matteo-ruggeri-spanish-praise-aston-villa-maatsen/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2026-09-29T17:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-29T17:00:00Z"
---

# Spanish media hails Aston Villa’s Ruggeri as summer signing threatens to shake up Emery’s pecking order

Matteo Ruggeri has earned praise in Spain, with [AS suggesting his Tottenham performance could prompt an Aston Villa selection rethink](https://as.com/futbol/internacional/ruggeri-coge-galones-f202609-n/) 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](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/29/matteo-ruggeri-italy-debut-turkey-win/).

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](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/20/matteo-ruggeri-aston-villa-ian-maatsen-replacement/) 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.