Carlos Sanchez failed to make an impression in the Premier League with Aston Villa but he could come in useful in the Championship.
It’s somewhat ironic that as soon as Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce trials a new-look 3-5-2 formation, it becomes apparent just how useful a player they loaned out before the start of the season could have been.
The three-man defence, very much in-vogue in the current era due to the successes of Antonio Conte at Chelsea, could well get the best out of the talent at Bruce’s disposal.
Jordan Amavi (below), for example, could thrive as a Marcos Alonso-esque left-wing back while Conor Hourihane and Henri Lansbury should benefit from the added freedom.
However, Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest shows that theory is yet to become practice, especially in defence. Although it would help if Carlos Sanchez was still around to offer his new-found versatility.
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The 31-year-old struggled badly with the pace of the English game when plying his trade in central midfield but, while on a season long loan at Fiorentina, has been reborn in a back three. In the first outing in his new role, Sanchez kept Gonzalo Higuain and Paolo Dybala on a long leash as La Viola stunned the champions 2-1.
The Colombian international went as far as to describe his new position as ‘perfect’, as reported by Football Italia.
Therefore, Bruce could be forgiven for lamenting Villa’s decision to cast him off in the summer. Sanchez may have toiled in midfield but playing in a deeper role may have allowed him more time on the ball away from the hustle and bustle.
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As it is, the 56-year-old will be forced to make do with the talent at his disposal. Although, if the Forest performance is anything to go by, he’s got quite the job on his hands.
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