Impressive depth key for Aston Villa | OneFootball

The growing number of competitions and matches means the need for teams like Aston Villa to have depth throughout the lineup is more important than ever. Anymore, between the increased matchups (now with a revised FIFA Club World Cup) and international duties, a player missing fixtures is inevitable.

Ideally, a manager is able to balance the squad that is at his disposal and ensure that players can get through a season with minimal risk. Naturally, every manager would want to have their best starting XI playing the full 90 minutes and firing on all cylinders at all times. That is rarely, if ever, the case, however.

Unai Emery finds himself in something of a unique situation at the moment, though. A lot of times, changes and substitutions are made due to someone not performing at the level that is needed. That isn't the case at Villa. Although there will always be discussions about who isn't carrying their weight, even in wins, for the most part, everyone stepping foot on the pitch is doing what is being asked of them.

Numerous options for Aston Villa throughout lineup

Case in point, someone with the quality of John McGinn didn't come on until the result was already in hand. Ollie Watkins is working his way back from injury and also didn't need to play from the opening whistle. Then Ian Maatsen and Pau Torres are capable defenders who weren't able to find their way onto the pitch on Sunday.

With the likes of Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa, and Youri Tielemans, however, it makes it difficult for all of these highly capable players to see playing time. Unfortunately, though, injuries can and will play a role. As has been the case for Villa already. Securing and having the luxury of a lot of quality throughout all positions will only bode well for Aston Villa as they finish out their season and pursue trophies.