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Uncompromising Aston Villa stance on Leon Goretzka hints at tactical sacrifice from Unai Emery
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- Uncompromising Aston Villa stance on Leon Goretzka hints at tactical sacrifice from Unai Emery
Aston Villa aren't taking any chances with Leon Goretzka during the international break.
The Villans have forced the midfielder to cancel his plans in Germany and return to the club immediately to continue his rehabilitation.
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When the Lions signed the 31-year-old, they must've known that they would need to wait until after the international break to see him in full flow.
Goretzka is yet to feature for Villa since signing as a free agent, as he works on his fitness.
After eight years at Bayern Munich , the Germany international became a free agent in the summer and opted to link up with Unai Emery.
The Spanish manager hasn't been able to call on the midfielder yet, but it looks like he can't wait to integrate him into the team and possibly tweak his tactics.
How Aston Villa put their foot down with Leon Goretzka decision
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Goretzka shared his fitness frustrations at Villa earlier in September and planned on working on it during the international break.
The Villans clearly want the midfielder to fulfil that promise after calling him back from Germany.
Goretzka is a member of the German Olympic Sports Confederation and was set to vote on which part of the country would host the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.
According to Welt on 24 September, voting was scheduled for Saturday, but the Villans have recalled him to continue his rehabilitation.
While Goretzka will likely be disappointed with the decision, the Lions can't be blamed for wanting their summer signing in action soon.
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Emery hasn't had the best start to the season and the midfielder could help turn the tide in B6 after the break.
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At Bayern, Goretzka developed into a physically dominant number eight, contributing heavily in both halves of the pitch.
Last season, the midfielder was heavily involved in the Bundesliga club's build-up play, averaging 61.2 touches per game and 91 per cent passing accuracy in the league, as per Sofascore .
Emery will likely value Goretzka's calmness and composure on the ball most.
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Last season, the Lions averaged 53.6 per cent possession in the Premier League, but that has dropped to 46 per cent in the 2026-27 campaign.
It feels like the Spanish manager will need to adjust his formation at the B6 club, with another body in the engine room possibly needed to control matches.
Joao Gomes and Boubacar Kamara could form a decent partnership at Villa Park, but putting Goretzka into the lineup ahead of someone like Johan Manzambi may be a necessary sacrifice Emery needs to make.
