Alysson deserves a meaningful opportunity when Aston Villa return against Brentford on Saturday. His contribution against Sevilla strengthened a case that already included something more valuable: a Premier League goal.
Alejandro Garnacho finished the move that put Villa ahead in Spain, but Alysson supplied the delivery. For Unai Emery, the player creating that chance should feature in the selection discussion alongside the scorer.
Our view is that Alysson has earned consideration for an earlier attacking change if Villa need one against Brentford. Whether he should start requires a broader assessment of the team’s balance.
Alysson has contributed as a scorer and creator
Against Nottingham Forest in September, Alysson came off the bench at half-time and headed in John McGinn’s cross. Villa ultimately lost 2-1, but his equaliser ended their wait for a first Premier League goal of the season.
We named him Villa’s outstanding performer in our Nottingham Forest player ratings.
That remains the stronger piece of evidence when assessing his immediate league prospects. He affected a competitive match in which Villa needed a response, rather than simply impressing during a comfortable victory.
Friday offered a different contribution. The club’s Sevilla report records Alysson replacing George Hemmings after 66 minutes and providing the low cross that Garnacho converted during the 3-1 win.
One contribution came through meeting a delivery; the other through supplying it. Those moments give Emery two specific reasons to consider him when deciding how to change an attack.
They are encouraging examples, although neither establishes how consistently Alysson can produce over a full Premier League match.
What role should Alysson have against Brentford?
The useful question is what Villa would need from him if Saturday’s game becomes difficult.
If the central striker is isolated, adding another forward alone will not necessarily improve the service. Villa would need someone to help create an opportunity, with teammates occupying positions to receive the delivery.
Alysson’s Sevilla assist offers an example of that final pass. His Forest header shows why he should also be encouraged to attack the box when the ball comes from elsewhere.
That combination is the basis of our argument for giving him meaningful minutes. It does not require claiming he has already become Villa’s most reliable winger or that Emery has decided to promote him.
There is also a distinction between using Alysson while chasing a goal and asking him to help protect a lead. The attacking moments available to assess do not settle questions about his defensive work, positioning or readiness for a start.
Selection still needs to account for those responsibilities.
A bigger role need not mean an immediate start
Villa’s five matches in 15 days make the discussion broader than Saturday’s starting XI.
Emery will need options he can trust to influence games during a demanding sequence. A substitute who changes a contest can be important without immediately becoming a regular starter.
For Alysson, the next step should be an opportunity with enough time to contribute, if his fitness and the match situation allow. If Villa are struggling to create, we would favour considering him around the hour rather than leaving an attacking change until the closing minutes.
That is an editorial preference, not a prediction of Emery’s substitutions.
Garnacho deserves credit for his finish in Seville. Alysson deserves credit for making it possible, with his Forest goal providing a separate reason to take his claim seriously.
Against Brentford, he should be among Emery’s first attacking options if Villa need fresh impetus.
