Nakamba finally starts for Villa

Marvelous Nakamba was finally handed a start by Aston Villa boss Dean Smith in a goaless draw against Burnley on Thursday evening. Nakamba has been largely thrust on the sidelines in recent months with Douglas Luiz emerging as Villa’s preferred choice in the defensive midfield role.

Following a long wait Nakamba started for Villa in an encounter where both sides had their chances but however eventually settled for a draw. Aside from the result Zimbabweans followed the game with keen interest after Nakamba was handed his first league start in a while.

There has been huge debate surrounding areas in which Nakamba needs to work on with many pointing to the need for the Warriors midfielder to be more adventurous going forward if he is to convince Dean Smith and shrug off the competition of Brazilian teammate Douglas Luiz.

Despite somewhat struggling for Villa, Nakamba is a key player for the Warriors, starting for his country in back to back fixtures against Algeria.