Barkley fails to make an impact against Sunderland, Aston Villa need a replacement this summer | OneFootball

Aston Villa claimed an enthralling 4-3 win over Sunderland thanks to a last-gasp Tammy Abraham winner following a chaotic game at Villa Park yesterday.

The Villains are now inching closer to qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

It was a difficult clash due to the midweek Europa League fixture, which forced Villa manager Unai Emery to rotate his squad.

Ross Barkley came in for Emiliano Buendia. Starting his fifth successive Premier League game for the Villains, the England international struggled to impose himself.

Barkley missed a big chance, made no key passes, won only two out of eight duels and was dribbled past once.

While he managed to retain possession for the Villains, he was not inventive enough.

Villa need Barkley to see out their remaining Premier League games and win the Europa League. He needs to improve on this performance.

Finding a suitable replacement for Barkley this summer has to be one of the club’s top priorities ahead of next season.

Emery could use a quality midfielder who can control games and also prove a difference-maker in the final third to replace the ‘complete‘ Barkley.

Atletico Madrid’s Thiago Almada is an option.

Almada thrives between the lines. He is capable of unlocking compact defences with his close control and sharp passing, traits the Villains have lacked due to Barkley’s inconsistent displays.

There are concerns about his physicality given his diminutive frame, especially in a league as demanding as the Premier League.

However, Emery has consistently shown he can elevate intelligent, technically gifted players within structured systems.

In the right set-up, Almada can evolve into the kind of decisive, creative hub the Villains need. His ability to also play as a winger is handy.