Aston Villa star Lucas Digne has revealed he has made a significant tactical move since Unai Emery arrived at Villa Park.
SO FT HAS AN INTERVIEW Today with the 32-year-old. He discusses various topics, Which also includes traveling to and from London for the sake of his children.
The Frenchman is at Aston Villa until 2022, joining from Everton in a £25m deal in the January transfer window. He was the second big arrival under Steven Gerrard that month after Philippe Coutinho.
aston villa key players
He has been a key player since then, establishing himself as first-choice under Gerrard and his replacement Emery.
The Spanish boss arrived at Villa Park in November 2022, where Digne scored a spectacular free kick on his debut in a 3-1 win over Manchester United.
Digne has been a stalwart of the team after recently signing a contract extension until June 2028.
It means he has been a key part of the transformation at Villa Park under Emery so far. Progress has seen Aston Villa qualify for Europe and occasionally challenge for the title this season.
unai emery teachings
However, it seems like the pair will have to understand each other properly first. Digne drew on Emery's well-established video analysis.
"When Unai Emery arrived at Aston Villa, he asked me to make more passes inside, to look for a player rather than a specific area," He said.
"He didn't forbid me from crossing, but you could tell it wasn't his plan. Over time, he understood what my ability to cross could bring, so he asked me to keep doing it.
"Now, I just know that I should cross only when necessary. It has taught me to choose the right moment to do so without compromising my style. Younai is one of the coaches who has guided me the most in my career."
passionate and careful
"He's really passionate. He's meticulous; we do four hours of video analysis a week. Everything is scrutinized. I was 28 when we met, and I improved a lot thanks to him, at an age when I didn't think I could take the next step. Both offensively and defensively."
“For example, he wants his two full-backs to see each other, to be in a position where they can see the defensive line. In French football training, I was always told to keep an eye on the opposition player.
"It meant I had to completely change my approach and learn a new way of defending. It's not easy to change my habits after so long, but in the end, it's beneficial."
Analysis: The player appears to have reached an agreement with the manager
Lucas Digne has been frustrated many times in his career that people are not rating him enough. Although this partly relates to the France national team, it has also been an issue at clubs before Aston Villa.
Defenders have struggled to convince, an example of which is Didier Deschamps. Now he is expected to go to the World Cup with France and it seems certain at the club level too.
Digne has not been in his best form for Aston Villa, yet there was no hint of complaint in a lengthy conversation about his career. He has found a place where he feels comfortable on and off the field and Unai Emery has played a big role in that.
🇫🇷Lucas Digne | "There is no French school there"
🚘 Aston Villa star travels from London
➡️ Says he is one of 3 or 4 #avfc players are also doing the same
➡️ Putting children's education firsthttps://t.co/1QGOC8cNh7- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 5 March 2026
