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Smith should axe Trezeguet for Aston Villa clash v Crystal Palace

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OPINION

Dean Smith should look to axe Trezeguet from Aston Villa’s starting line-up in the Premier League after a couple of underwhelming performances by the Egypt international.

Trezeguet, 24, joined the Villans as their ninth signing of the summer in a deal worth £8.75million but apart from a solid showing against Tottenham on his Premier League debut, the winger has done little to prove he’s a better option in the starting line-up than someone like Anwar El-Ghazi.

Aston Villa manager Smith should really consider handing El-Ghazi a start against Crystal Palace when the two sides meet at Selhurst Park this weekend, especially based on Trezeguet’s recent stats.

According to WhoScored, Trezeguet only managed to complete 62 per cent of his passes in the 2-0 win against Everton last week.

The former Anderlecht attacker also failed to complete a single successful dribble in the victory and made a staggering seven poor touches.

Trezeguet was ineffective against the Toffees while El-Ghazi came off the bench in the second half to score Villa’s second goal to seal their first win of the season.

WhoScored’s stats also suggest that El-Ghazi is a much more efficient option on the wing than Trezeguet.

The Morocco international has averaged 3.5 shots, 21.7 passes and 1.5 unsuccessful touches per 90 minutes of Premier League action in his three appearances this season.

Trezeguet has averaged 1.9 shots, 17.5 passes and 4.7 unsuccessful touches.

El-Ghazi is someone who looks to be way more involved in the play and when he is on the ball, he is a lot better at keeping hold of it and contributing to the Villa attack.

If Smith wants to get the win against Crystal Palace this weekend then it seems like El-Ghazi will be a far better option out on the wing rather than Trezeguet, who is proving wasteful in his first weeks as an Aston Villa player.

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