2024 January transfer window - hopes, needs, expectations and rumours.

[Smithy]

My concern with Diaby is how generally fucking miserable he looks all the time whilst playing for us in recent months. We've been here before with this sort of thing and it usually doesn't end well. He's a top talent though, and although his form has dipped i wouldn't say it's fallen off a cliff, he just doesn't seem to get involved in games as much.

Yep doesn't seem right and looks drained of confidence. That airshot at Boro being a good example of where he's currently at . We aren't utilising his blistering pace at all neither is he

A bright start, and he's definitely in a run of average form, but having seen how Bailey has gone from looking like a terrible signing to one of our most potent attacking threats, I wouldn't be writing anyone off at this early into their Villa career.

[Clark W Griswold]

I wouldn't write him off at all, in fact i think we've got a Champions League level player on our hands. I just don't think he looks happy with the situation for some reason and that could be effecting his performances and if it is the case it's quite possible he won't be around for the long run as we've seen this happen a few times before. Stress on the 'if it is the case' and hope it's not, but i do wonder personally.

[Clark W Griswold]

I would also like to add that some are making out that certain players are mediocre or worse, him included and you do wonder just how bad some of them are in reality when they're playing regularly and we're sitting 3rd in the league, into the latter stages of Europe and the next round of the FA Cup.

[Ian.]

You only have to look back at Bailey last season though. He was in floods of tears after the Wolves match. Look how he’s turned it around. Not just his form, but he looks so happy and he’s now always smiling.

I guess if Bailey knows his form is off that will bring his mood down.

[VILLA MOLE]

I feel like he is struggling to find space at the moment and he and Bailey seem to close together , but he will come good

[Baldy]

I often thought Diaby was employed in an old 'inside right' position not too far from Bailey to draw a lot of the opposition to that side of the pitch.

This leaves a lot of space to the left side of the pitch which Moreno/Ramsey (when available) often exploit.

When the ball is switched to the left, Diaby heads for the box and Bailey towards the back post.

It's amazing how many of our 'play out from the back' moves ultimately switch from right to left. When in his best position, McGinn being the main protagonist.

Diaby is being used as a 'chess piece' by SUE and it would work when (and if) Diaby improves his finishing.

Just an observation. 

[VillaTim]

I feel like he is struggling to find space at the moment and he and Bailey seem to close together , but he will come good

they've been occupying the same spaces lately and getting in each others way which is probably on the manager to sort that side of things out

[OCD]

Buendia was looking really sharp in pre-season too. Getting that version back would be a great boost.

[john e]

I’m going to write him off
Just so people can post that I shouldn’t be writing him off

[PaulWinch again]

Diaby will be fine, he’s got all the attributes you need. He reminds me a lot of Mane. He’s going through a tough patch - and it could be adjusting to living in a new country is part of it - he just needs support.

[VillaTim]

I’m going to write him off
Just so people can post that I shouldn’t be writing him off

i'm not writing him off but did expect a better all round player.

[brontebilly]

I wouldn't write him off at all, in fact i think we've got a Champions League level player on our hands. I just don't think he looks happy with the situation for some reason and that could be effecting his performances and if it is the case it's quite possible he won't be around for the long run as we've seen this happen a few times before. Stress on the 'if it is the case' and hope it's not, but i do wonder personally.

He's most likely not happy with his performances and/or getting hooked. Like most pros. He did score v Burnley in our last home game. Sitters missed against Boro and Burnley show a lack of confidence but at least he's getting into the right positions. Tactically I think Emery needs to look at tweaking our tactics when a team sits deep, Diaby needs space to run into. I did think Emery could have waited another 5-10 mins before hooking him v Everton as I thought he was just starting to come into it.

[achilles]

Recently I have made a conscience effort to watch Diaby off the ball. He makes so many runs without receiving the ball as our build up play is so, so slow and is based on procession so I totally understand why he gets so pissed off, he wants the ball much, much earlier. Obviously this affects his confidence so when he gets the ball he is trying too hard! He has to learn to adapt to Emery’s way of playing which will probably take him this season. Without doubt he is a class player and I fully expect him to show it, perhaps not this season but definitely next season.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Buendia was looking really sharp in pre-season too. Getting that version back would be a great boost.

My thoughts too. Like every serious, long term injury it's rare players recover their form. How long left does he have on his contract?

[Risso]

I’m going to write him off
Just so people can post that I shouldn’t be writing him off

Clampy to the thread please, Clampy to the thread.