Emery adjusts Villa's structure to enhance Rashford's impact

Unai Emery, the manager of Aston Villa, has made changes to his team's structure to take advantage of Marcus Rashford's skills. These adjustments show how much he values Rashford, who is currently on loan from Manchester United. Emery emphasizes "structure" in his coaching. This means that players have specific roles and responsibilities on the field. So far, he has focused on making sure that each player knows where they should be and how they can attack or defend together. With Rashford joining the team, some of these roles have shifted, particularly how the team uses its forwards. Previously, Villa did not have a traditional left-winger, but Emery believes that Rashford can play well in that position. Rashford prefers to play wide, creating space for others. He offers a different option compared to the typical attacking midfielder, which has led to changes in Villa’s attack. Data suggests that Rashford's play style makes Villa's attack more varied. While past players may have moved into central areas, Rashford stays out wide, making it easier for him to cross the ball into the penalty area. Although he has just started once in the league this season and has yet to score, his presence is already impacting the team's overall performance. When Villa played against Club Brugge, Emery tried a bold formation that allowed for more direct play. Rashford's position changed the team dynamic, as it freed up other players to go into different spaces. His style of play has resulted in assists, and he is starting to find his rhythm again. Overall, the adjustments made by Emery highlight Rashford's potential impact on Villa, demonstrating how a key player can reshape a team's approach.