Leandro Bacuna Should Be Starting in Aston Villa Midfield, Not Right-Back

Playing in his second-consecutive game at right-back, Leandro Bacuna was the star of the show in Aston Villa's shocking 3-2 win over Manchester City. Nevertheless, Paul Lambert would be well advised to consider playing the talented Dutchman in midfield rather than defense.

Bacuna joined Villa this summer as perhaps their least-heralded signing. Arriving from FC Groningen on the same day that Jores Okore was signed, Bacuna was an afterthought for many who had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Danish defender.

Bacuna was signed from the Eredivisie as an unknown quantity who was described to the Villa fans as a versatile player, capable of filling in at many positions. With little pressure on him, Bacuna has quickly settled into the team and made the most of an opportunity to start at right-back after Matthew Lowton's dip in form. 

In an interview with Birmingham Mail's Mat Kendrick, Bacuna expressed his lack of preference for where he plays in the team.

"

I played at right-back against Norwich and against Tottenham I played in midfield. For me, as long as I am playing, I will do my job. Lowton is the right-back.

I’m not the one making decisions, the gaffer is the one who makes the decisions. I will keep doing my best and Matty will keep doing his best and the gaffer will make his choice.

"

Against both Norwich and Manchester City, Bacuna demonstrated his worth to the team. He is a strong, quick player who possesses a powerful shot and effective passing.

He showed both of these talents on Saturday as he first assisted Karim El Ahmadi with a deft through ball and later curled in a spectacular free kick. Having proven his quality on the ball, Bacuna would better serve Villa playing in central midfield where he would have more opportunities to create goals.

One of Villa's greatest weaknesses during Paul Lambert's tenure has been finding a creative force in midfield; Bacuna could be the answer to this problem.

Last season, Lambert deployed Stephen Ireland, Barry Bannan and Charles N'Zogbia as central playmakers with little success. While signing such a player seemed to be one of Villa's greatest needs during the transfer window, no such signing materialized.

Consequently, Lambert has consistently played a midfield trio featuring a combination of Fabian Delph, Karim El Ahmadi, Ashley Westwood and Yacouba Sylla.

Westwood has been injured while Sylla was one of Villa's worst performers against Manchester City, opening the door for Bacuna to replace the Frenchman next weekend against Hull City. A midfield trio of Delph, El Ahmadi and Bacuna would be beneficial as all three players possess different qualities.

Delph has been one of Villa's best performers this season; WhoScored rates his collective performance as the 21st best in the Premier League this season. He is an adept dribbler who is eager to attack defenses with dangerous runs, creating space for his teammates in turn.

El Ahmadi has demonstrated a fantastic work rate, and his aggression reduces the amount of time opposing midfielders have on the ball. He is also a calm influence in possession.

Despite these qualities, neither player is a prolific goalscorer or creative influence and Bacuna could complement their abilities by providing a high work rate while also attempting to create scoring opportunities for himself and others.

Bacuna has started in midfield for Villa in the home loss to Liverpool and their Capital One Cup defeat to Tottenham, indicating Lambert's willingness to play the Dutchman in that position.

Furthermore, shifting Bacuna to midfield would allow Lowton, one of Villa's best players last season, to regain his form at right-back.

Lowton has a strong all-around game, and he contributes to the team in both attack and defense. Per WhoScored, he ranked fifth in the league in interceptions last season while also contributing two goals and three assists as a defender.

The young right-back will bounce back from his rocky start to the season if he is returned to the team where he can once again contribute timely interventions and dangerous crosses.

While earning consecutive victories with Bacuna at right-back may tempt Lambert to stay the course, shifting the Dutchman to the midfield will allow Bacuna to fully demonstrate his capabilities and best serve Aston Villa.