Ahead of Nottingham Forest Clash, Gabby Agbonlahor Ignites Aston Villa Explosion — Demands Emery Starts One Defensive Midfielder to Replace Injured Kamara as Fans Split Online”
Former Aston Villa captain Gabby Agbonlahor has sparked major debate among supporters ahead of Villa’s crucial clash with Nottingham Forest after urging Unai Emery to make a bold midfield decision. Agbonlahor believes Villa already have an overlooked option in the squad who could help solve the growing problem in defensive midfield while Boubacar Kamara remains sidelined through injury.
Kamara’s absence has been felt heavily in recent weeks. The French midfielder has become one of Villa’s most important players under Emery, offering protection in front of the back four, breaking up opposition attacks, and allowing the more creative players to push forward. Without him, many supporters feel Villa have lacked balance in the centre of the pitch.
In several matches, Emery has turned to Amadou Onana as one of the main replacements in the holding midfield role, while also asking John McGinn and Youri Tielemans to help deeper in midfield. Onana has brought strength, aggression, and energy, but many fans believe Kamara’s calm reading of the game and tactical discipline have still been missing. McGinn and Tielemans have also worked tirelessly, but many feel it has reduced their influence further up the pitch.
McGinn, in particular, is more dangerous when driving forward, pressing high, and supporting attacks rather than spending long periods sitting deep. That is why Agbonlahor believes Emery should now look to another option who has often been left on the bench.
The player Agbonlahor is backing is Leander Dendoncker. The Belgian midfielder is naturally suited to the defensive midfield role and offers physicality, positional discipline, and the ability to shield the back line qualities Villa have lacked since Kamara’s injury.
Although Dendoncker has not featured regularly this season, his appearances have shown signs of reliability. In cup matches and substitute cameos, he has looked composed in possession, strong in duels, and willing to do the hard defensive work that often goes unnoticed. Some supporters have also pointed out that Villa appear more solid when he is on the pitch.
Agbonlahor’s main argument is that using Dendoncker would not only strengthen the holding midfield position, but would also free McGinn and Tielemans to operate in more advanced areas where they can have a bigger impact. With key fixtures approaching, he believes Emery should trust the depth in his squad rather than continue overworking some of his most important players.
Villa fans, however, are split on the suggestion. Some supporters agree with Agbonlahor and feel Dendoncker deserves a proper run in the side.
One fan wrote: “He’s a natural holding midfielder. Give him a chance and let McGinn play where he’s best.”
Another said: “Kamara is impossible to replace, but Dendoncker is the closest option we’ve got.”
Others remain unconvinced.
A different supporter posted: “If Emery doesn’t trust him by now, there must be a reason.”
Another added: “Good squad player, but not the level we need for big matches.”
With Nottingham Forest next up, Emery now faces a major selection dilemma. Does he continue with Onana and ask McGinn or Tielemans to do extra defensive work, or does he finally turn to Dendoncker and give him the chance Agbonlahor believes he deserves? For now, the debate among Aston Villa fans is only getting louder.
