We rate the performances of Aston Villa players in the 0-1 victory over Shrewsbury Town. A Scott Hogan goal was enough to see off the League 1 side.
FIRST HALF
Jed Steer – 5
Whilst Steer seemed very comfortable with the ball at his feet at the back end of last season, he became complacent at Shrewsbury. He was lucky on a few occasions not to be embarrassed by veteran Steve Morrison. He almost pounced on his lack of judgement in the second half. Without Lovre Kalinic, maybe Villa may reignite their interest in wantaway Stoke keeper Jack Butland.
Fred Guilbert – 7
Deceptively quick, Guilbert will be a great outlet on the right flank. Caught out in the first minute after giving the ball away, he recovered well and looked assured from thereon.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Cool and composed. His performance personified when he took down a ball that came from the sky with his right boot. A classy run out from a promising Villan.
Tyrone Mings – 6
Mings looked his normal, colossal self, with an assured touch. Constantly looking for that forward pass.
Neil Taylor – 6
Taylor will play back up this season, as his quality in the final third won’t cut it in the big league.
Birkir Bjarnason – 6
BB gives a lot of energy but at the expense of direction and poise at times. Caught out of position on occasions, he may struggle to fill in considering he is a naturally wide player.
John McGinn – 5
McGinn didn’t show what we know he can do, but pre-season games have benefits in many other ways.
Jack Grealish – 8
As ever, Jack orchestrated almost everything, controlling the game for the most part. Driving at a worried Shrewsbury backline, there’s no doubt Grealish will be the focal point at Villa Park next season.
Jota – 7
Impressive once more, Jota clearly knows how to play the Dean Smith way. Cutting inside from wide areas allowed Guilbert to dominate the right flank. The two worked very well together.
Andre Green – 6
Andre needs a loan move to a Championship club who play attacking football, similar to that of Smith’s. After his long term injury, his confidence has been knocked and needs to rediscover the form he showed when he first burst onto the scene two seasons ago.
Keinan Davis – 6
Unlucky not to get on the goal sheet. Though it’s a little too often Keinan has been unfortunate. His power and physical stature is brilliant, though that finishing touch is currently lacking.
SECOND HALF
James Bree – 6
With Guilbert and Elmohamady vying for the full-back role, Bree will most likely be shipped on in a loan move.
James Chester – 6
Limped off in the second half, Chezzie will have limited game time this season, as he manages his damaged knees. Was unlucky not to score from a Hourihane delivery.
Kortney Hause – 6
Seemed confident on the ball, and certainly a steal at £3m. Whilst game time will be limited this term, Hause is certainly good back up.
Matt Targett – 6
We couldn’t see what Targett will bring next season based on his performance at Shrewsbury. Though his strong left foot will be an asset next season.
Conor Hourihane – 6
Showed glimpses of his technical ability but lacked the ability Jack had of controlling the midfield in the first period.
Calum O’Hare – 6
O’Hare looked quick and lively – with intent to make an impact. A loan to a Championship club may suit O’Hare as his game time will be limited to cup ties next season.
Henri Lansbury – 6
An injury-free Henri Lansbury would be a great asset to being off the bench and improve competition in the midfield ranks.
Scott Hogan – 6
Despite scoring with an unconvincing finish, Hogan looked rather elusive before and after netting the only goal of the match. Played out of position, on the right flank, will Smith be persuaded to lodge a bid for Maupay?
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy – 7
Hepburn-Murphy was quick and skilful on the left side. He had the beating of his defender throughout the second half. Talk of a loan move to Tranmere could be useful for the young forward.
Wesley – 7
Record signing Wesley looked physically imposing, with a technical ability to match. Seemed to drift in and out of the game though, but these friendly games are vital in getting Wes up to scratch for the season.
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