Matty Cash was once the lightning rod at Aston Villa.
Routinely subjected to ridicule after defeats, largely unfairly, Cash’s continued presence in the team under Unai Emery frustrated a section of the fanbase. The club had been revolutionised under the Spaniard’s management — albeit not so much in terms of playing personnel — but his detractors always felt Cash was merely clinging on. Yes, he gave his all. But whether that was enough was the broader concern.
In essence, they wanted a new, shiny right-back; a player who was adventurous and forward-thinking. Villa had tried to add another body in that position, and will attempt to do so again this summer. But, as yet, no one has come close to replacing Cash.
The 28-year-old’s specific remit under Emery was never supposed to be glamorous. That arguably increased the ire directed at him. Loud groans would go up when he passed backwards or took a few extra touches on the ball — all traits Emery demands in search of controlled possession. He was no longer the gallivanting full-back they had signed from Nottingham Forest, attack-minded and occasionally even utilised on the right wing.
Instead, Cash was a responsible, maturing right-back, with his job, in possession specifically, to stay close to his right central defender, forming a back three in possession as the opposite full-back pushed on. This, naturally, limited Cash’s attacking output.
