Aston Villa analysis: How does Evann Guessand bolster Unai Emery’s attacking options?
Aston Villa have signed striker Evann Guessand from OGC Nice in a deal worth £26miilion, which could eventually rise to around £30.3million with add-ons.
The Villans finally have a backup centre forward after the sale of Jhon Duran in January and the decision not to re-sign Marcus Rashford.
Transfer News Blitz writer Harrison Pearce examines why the 24-year-old should fill Villa fans with optimism ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
Evann Guessand on fire
Guessand can play across the frontline, but is primarily a striker, so will likely act as backup to Ollie Watkins.
It will be interesting to see where Unai Emery decides to deploy the Ivory Coast international.
With 20 goal involvements last season, the forward comes to Villa Park off the best campaign of his career.
Only three other players had better stats in Ligue 1 last term.
Paris Saint-Germain duo Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele tallied 24 and 27 goal contributions, while Marseille forward Mason Greenwood bagged 26.
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Jonathan Kodjia reborn
The six-foot-one-inch forward has nine caps for Ivory Coast and has looked like a threat in every game, which could make him a regular for years to come.
If Guessand is anything like former Aston Villa and Ivorian star Jonathan Kodjia, he will be a very reliable player for the Villans.
Kodjia was, of course, a part of the Villa side that got promoted to the Premier League in 2019, where he provided plenty of magical moments along the way.
Interest from other clubs
Aston Villa beat off significant interest from other Premier League sides to sign Guessand, including Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
There was also understood to be interest from Germany and the Saudi Pro League, according to reports.
But, the Villans made their move and got their man.
Unai Emery’s striker record
Emery has a phenomenal record with centre forwards, with the likes of Watkins, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Edison Cavani and Arnaut Danjuma all having excellent spells under the Spaniard.
Whether ot not Guessand will play as a striker, Emery will adore the Ivorian’s attitude and attention to detail when it comes to creating goals.
Alongside the forward’s defensive actions when pressing higher up the pitch, where he won 80% of his aerial duels.
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What are Evann Guessand’s key attributes?
Guessand should slot into Emery’s system really well.
We could potentially see the Ivorian dropping into midfield to receive the ball between the lines and carry it forward.
Guessand could also play as a second striker, which could see an exciting link-up with Watkins.
One thing is for sure - if Emery sticks with a passive pressing structure, he will be limiting what his new signing can bring out of possession.
There is certainly more to unlock if Villa get more aggressive higher up the pitch.
Overall, the versatility that Guessand will provide to Aston Villa will allow the front line to fluidly rotate, which will make them harder to track.
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