Neil Taylor has made just five Championship appearances in 2019 and currently finds himself behind Kortney Hause in the pecking order. The Aston Villa left-back has struggled with injuries and was previously fortunate there was no natural replacement providing competition for a starting place. That has changed following Hause’s arrival, however, which could mean Dean Smith replaces Taylor this summer by signing a better alternative.
The 30-year-old has made 22 appearances in all competitions this season, making just one assist. He offers very little offensively, creating just one goal in his two years at Villa Park. Taylor has created only nine chances in the league (one every 162 mins) this campaign and has made just eight successful dribbles (one every 183 mins). The Welsh international has also made just six accurate crosses (one every 244 mins), so goals are seldom coming from the left-flank.
Taylor is a more defensive-minded fullback, making a tackle or interception every 32 minutes and being dribbled past only twice this season, but Villa still have the third-worst defensive record in the Championship and concede chances at a similar rate on both flanks. Taylor is no longer guaranteed a starting place and the competition for a spot has revealed that Villa can do better at left-back.
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