The injury nightmare that could end up saving Aston Villa millions

All the latest Aston Villa news as BirminghamLive takes a look into the future of Morgan Sanson

Patrick Rowe Football Writer

21:23, 17 Jul 2022Updated 21:24, 17 Jul 2022

Morgan Sanson of Aston Villa(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Morgan Sanson was given another run-out by Steven Gerrard in Aston Villa's pre-season victory over Leeds United, hinting that the midfielder may yet have a future at the club.

Sanson arrived from Marseille in January 2020 for a fee in the region of £14m, but injuries have since limited him to just six starts. Nevertheless, it seems head coach Gerrard is determined to give the 27-year-old the chance to finally prove himself - as seen with his appearance in Brisbane for a Villa side that edged Leeds 1-0 at the Suncorp Stadium.

Gerrard commented on Sanson's situation back in January, saying: "The first time I met Morgan personally, I could see someone who was pretty down, who was pretty frustrated in terms of how his Aston Villa career had gone up until that point.

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"So it was very much the case of sitting down with Morgan, having that one-to-one, that face-to-face, giving him that clean slate, guaranteeing him that he will get the support and the care that he needs.

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"I also assured him that I had seen enough of him. I competed against him for Rangers in a friendly, I watched Marseille quite a bit, so I was very much aware of Morgan in terms of his quality, and it was about giving him a fresh start.

"His training performances, his cameo performances and his first start for me have been really impressive and strong, so he's going to be one who will compete for one of those midfield slots, and I can only see him getting better and better with the more games he gets under his belt."

So Gerrard is clearly keen to give Sanson every opportunity to impress this pre-season, with the Frenchman featuring in both friendlies so far, against Walsall and Leeds United. In his brief outing overnight, Sanson showed a sharpness and drive that fans had only seen in glimpses during his time at Villa.

When analysing his statistics when fully fit, it is clear to see why Gerrard is eager to get the player firing on all cylinders. Gerrard requires his two number eights to be willing runners out of possession, and Sanson offered this in an abundance at Marseille, averaging just under 30 pressures per game in his final season in Ligue 1.

Villa are currently being linked with midfield options such as Porto's Otávio, a player who offers defensive support from midfield while also capable of progressing the squad while in possession. These are traits that - if fit - Sanson can also offer.

Despite rumours linking the midfielder with a move to Galatasaray, if handed another opportunity within the squad, Sanson could contribute given his style of play and the quality he can offer when fit. Sadly, the issue in question with Sanson has never been his ability, but the fact he is rarely available for selection.

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Does Sanson have a future at Villa? Have your say in the comments section

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