Matteo Ruggeri Set to Join Aston Villa as Left-Back Replacement
Amid Lucas Digne’s anticipated return to Paris Saint-Germain, uncertainty surrounded Aston Villa regarding his successor at left-back. That question now appears to be resolved, as Atlético Madrid’s Matteo Ruggeri is on his way to Birmingham, pending only a medical examination before his official introduction as a Villa player.
Ruggeri’s arrival effectively concludes Villa’s interest in Milan’s Pervis Estupiñán, and many may find the decision hard to dispute. The Rossoneri had sought around €20 million for Estupiñán after just one season, while Villa has secured Ruggeri for €25 million.
In addition to the fee, Ruggeri has several advantages: he is four years younger than Estupiñán, taller, and offers greater versatility. While Estupiñán has been recognized as an attacking left-back, his debut season at San Siro had not lived up to expectations.
Having developed his skills under Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta, Ruggeri concluded his last season under Diego Simeone. He can effectively play in a back three as both a left-wingback and center-back and excels in both offensive and defensive roles in a back four. Villa’s tactical choices seem well-founded in opting for Ruggeri over Estupiñán.
However, a recent controversy casts a shadow over the move. Approximately a month ago, allegations surfaced accusing Ruggeri of paying a woman to send him abusive and racist messages for sexual gratification.
While these accusations remain unverified, the nature of the story suggests that both Villa and Ruggeri will navigate a challenging narrative in the upcoming days. Should any substantiated claims arise, the situation could worsen.
It is reasonable to assume that Villa conducted thorough due diligence and concluded that there was nothing significant to warrant concern. Nonetheless, the media attention will play a crucial role in shaping this new chapter for both the club and the player.
Amid Lucas Digne’s impending move back to Paris Saint-Germain, there had been uncertainty at Villa Park regarding who would succeed him at left-back.
That question has seemingly been answered. Atlético Madrid’s Matteo Ruggeri is Birmingham-bound, with only the medical separating him from his official unveiling as a villain.
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Ruggeri’s arrival also effectively ends Villa’s pursuit of Milan’s Pervis Estupiñán, and it’s hard to argue against their choice.
The Rossoneri had been asking around €20 million to let the Ecuadorian go after just one season. Instead, the Villans have managed to bag Ruggeri for €25 million.
What’s more, the Italian is four years Estupiñán’s junior, taller than him, and significantly more versatile than the former Brighton man, who was well regarded as an attacking left-back during his time with Brighton but mostly flattered to deceive in his debut season at San Siro.
Ruggeri, who cut his teeth under Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta is is coming off a year during which he was coached by Diego Simeone, can operate in a back three both as a left-wingback and centre-back, and is adept both in attack and defence in a back four. Tactically, there’s little Villa have left on the table by choosing him over Estupiñán that they might come to regret.
However, it would hard and almost irresponsible not to address the elephant in the room. A little over a month ago, allegations emerged accusing Ruggeri of having paid a woman to send him abusive and racist messages to elicit sexual pleasure.
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While these have remained allegations thus far, the scandalous nature of the story means both Villa and the player will remain awash with noise in the days to come. And, if anything substantial were to materialise, things may take a turn for the worse.
One can only assume that Villa did their due diligence and decided there was nothing of note here for them to worry about, though the inevitable noise will dictate how this relationship gets off the ground.
Anshuman Joshi | GIFN
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