More than Grealish – the dynamism and variety of Aston Villa’s attack

Aston Villa struggled a lot in the previous Premier League campaign, nearly getting relegated. However, things have been completely different this season, where, after 20 games, they are closer to a top four spot than the relegation zone.

The team has improved by a lot, both offensively and defensively. According to Instat, their offensive statistics have improved as listed in this table:

How strong have Aston Villa been in attack this season? In this tactical analysis, we will show you their offensive organization in every phase of possession, and display how Dean Smith has transformed their attack. This season, they have more tactics and ways to score than only relying on the magic of Jack Grealish.

Build-up and verticality

Villa are not a team that insist on playing out from the back all the time. However, since the centre-backs, goalkeeper and the defensive midfielder(s) are all comfortable on the ball, their ball circulation in the first phase is usually quite good.

The build-up usually starts in a 3-1 shape, regardless of the number of midfielders, and with Douglas Luiz providing a passing option to the centre-backs by dropping deep. The goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, is also a part of the build-up  when he takes up a central position, the centre-backs can go wide to play as wide centre-backs. We can see this structure in the next image 

The benefit of this wide formation is to stretch the defence, especially in creating a free player against the first layer of the oppositions 4-4-2. In this example, the strikers spread wider to try marking the centre-backs, leaving the central passing channel from Martínez to Luiz open. As this structure forms numerous passing triangles, Luiz can then find either wide centre-back as the free option to advance the ball. The spacing and positioning is good enough to avoid instant pressure from the oppositions press.

Luiz, playing in the holding role, needs to avoid closed body positions to allow him to receive and turn without risking a costly loss of possession. In addition, he also needs to be good at playing several types of passes, including wall passes and one-twos, to absorb and release pressure when needed. All of these characteristics have made Luiz the best option in the deep midfield spot for Villa, with Marvelous Nakamba having big shoes to fill when he does play in the XI.