Why Carles Gil Is the 1 Player Arsenal Must Shut Down Against Aston Villa

This season, Paul Lambert’s Aston Villa have gained a reputation as a risk-averse, goal-shy outfit. Thus far, they have mustered just 11 Premier League goals.

However, the Midlands side have sought to amend that in the transfer window. Most recently, they acquired Scott Sinclair from Manchester City, but their most intriguing signing is already impressing in claret and blue.

If Arsenal are to overcome Villa, they will need to keep a close eye on Spanish playmaker Carles Gil.

Gil is shaping up to be one of the most eye-catching coups of the January window. His pedigree should not be a great surprise: Gil was developed in the same Valencia finishing school that polished the talents of David Silva and Juan Mata. Like that celebrated pair, Gil is a left-footed playmaker with imagination and captivating technical ability.

That much was clear in his debut appearance as a substitute against Liverpool. Speaking after the game, an immediately enamoured Lambert told Nick Mashiter of the Press Association (h/t the Daily Mail):

"

To an extent it was a magic performance. Carles gives us something we don't have but to come on and play the way he did in a game of that magnitude lifted the whole stadium and it was great.

He is an excellent footballer, has a low centre of gravity and has an excellent touch, a typical Spanish type of player.

Technically he's first class and he has only been here a few days so there'll be a lot more to come from him.

"

Lambert was right. On his first start for his new club, Gil delivered a devastating demonstration of his potential. In the FA Cup tie with Bournemouth, he cut in from the right to score a stunning goal with his preferred left foot. The Spaniard is threatening to provide the creativity that Villa have sorely lacked this season.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

So why have Valencia let him go? Well, the majority of Gil’s first-team experience thus far has come with Elche, where he played two seasons on loan. He was a key component in their promotion to La Liga in 2012/13, and he helped keep them there the following season—arguably an even greater feat.

However, Gil has struggled to break into the Valencia first team since returning to his parent club. Having tasted regular football elsewhere, he was not prepared to bide his time on the bench. Villa offered him first-team football, and Gil took the gamble.

Thus far, it’s paid dividends. In an interview with Spanish daily AS (h/t HITC Sport), Gil admits the move has boosted his morale:

"

I was already very happy with how they treated me and the confidence they had given me, but now much more having been able to score and help the team.

Since the signing they have shown great confidence in me. From the beginning they have been very on top of things like sorting out an apartment, car and telephone, and that means I only have to worry about football.

They are much more passionate fans and in general there is a great respect towards the players. They make me happy.

"

Playmakers thrive on such happiness. With coach and fans uniting behind their new star, Gil is sure to thrive in this supportive environment.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

At the Emirates Stadium, the man tasked with stopping him is most likely to be Nacho Monreal. Gil will look to cut in from the right wing on to his favoured foot, and Monreal will have to continue his impressive form to keep him quiet.

If Arsenal’s Spanish left-back can keep his compatriot quiet, Arsenal will stand a far better chance of seeing off Lambert’s side.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.