England run risk of losing Konsa to become Portugal's missing piece

 

Gareth Southgate has named his England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers with San Marino, Albania and Poland, and despite a number of injuries there were very few surprises.

West Brom's Sam Johnstone earns a first call-up in place of first choice Jordan Pickford, who is sidelined, while Ollie Watkins is the other potential debutant in the ranks as the likes Danny Ings, Tammy Abraham and Callum Wilson are also injured.

The dearth of attacking options compared to recent squad selections has handed Watkins his chance despite a dry spell in front of goal in the absence of Jack Grealish. However, whilst Aston Villa's attack line has faltered of late, the same can't be said of their defence, in which Ezri Konsa shines brighter with every game.

Many had hoped the 23-year-old would make the cut for the upcoming triple-header, but Southgate has once more opted for the tried and tested names at his disposal. In truth, given the inevitable return to the fold of John Stones, Konsa's inclusion was likely to be a long shot but based on form it's difficult to justify his omission this time around.

With Eric Dier dropped from the Tottenham lineup of late and Conor Coady not in the best of form this season at club level, Konsa can arguably feel hard done by. Many would even suggest that he has been the stronger or at least more consistent of Villa's defensive pairing alongside Tyrone Mings, though the balance that the latter can offer simply by being left-footed is an important factor.

In truth, the partnership Konsa and Mings have built this season perhaps deserved the recognition of a double call up. While Emi Martinez's arrival at the club has had a transformative effect, the Argentine paid homage to his two centre-backs earlier this month, stating: "For me, they are the best two defenders in England.

"The way they block shots, the way they head the ball, the organisation and the communication, I haven't seen them put a foot wrong in the whole season.

"It's a massive relief for me when I have two big and quick guys like them in front of me. It makes my job a lot easier."

That's an extremely bold claim that only a teammate would offer up, but it's one grounded in a fair amount of truth. For Villa to have kept 14 clean sheets is a remarkable turnaround, and it's been based upon the eradication of individual errors that littered their first season back in the top-flight.

Only Southampton's defence has committed fewer individual mistakes leading directly to shots (1) than Villa, with Konsa not responsible for either of the two that the Villa back four have made. Indeed, it's the composure that he has shown in only his second top-flight season that really sees Konsa stand out, particularly when compared to Mings.

While the latter will quite often look for long balls into the front three, Konsa is more measured in possession, evidenced by a far superior pass accuracy (84.1 per cent to 77.4). It is, however, the timing of his defensive interventions that is most impressive.

There's a famous quote that suggests if you have to make a tackle as a defender, you've already made a mistake, and Konsa's lowly return of just 17 from 25 appearances might not seem much. However, when you consider that he has been dribbled past just three times this season and, even more startlingly, committed just a single foul when attempting to tackle, you get a better appreciation of just what an accomplished defender the youngster is in one-on-one situations.

As Martinez alluded to in his aforementioned quote, Konsa is more than willing to throw his body on the line too, having blocked more shots than any other Premier League player this season (33).

 

 

It's not as if England are short of defensive options, it should be said, but with regards to Konsa and the rapid development he has made this season, he could yet prove to be one that they let get away. Indeed, if Southgate does continue to overlook the Villa star's performances, there is an attractive alternative that could just catch Konsa's eye.

While competition for places at the back for England is comparatively strong, Portugal have reportedly been tracking Konsa's progress, with his mother holding a Portuguese passport. Like the Three Lions, the reigning European champions are stacked with attacking talent but the one position that they are extremely short of options is centre-back.

Ruben Dias is, of course, an exceptional option to have but he is still partnered by either a 37-year-old Jose Fonte - admittedly enjoying an excellent season with Lille - or 38-year-old Pepe. There is a strong chance, then, that this summer's European Championships could be an international farewell tour for both, and having a more mobile option alongside Dias, who himself isn't blessed with great pace, would be a benefit in the here and now.

Having represented England at junior level and with no real ties to Portugal beyond a document of his mother's, it's understood and indeed understandable that Konsa is still hopeful of earning a senior call for the Three Lions. This is the first real England camp where there has been a significant clamour for his inclusion after all, but if Southgate does continue to favour players that aren't performing to the standards Konsa has set, the Aston Villa defender may yet have a decision to make.

Many felt that this latest international break of competitive matches against modest opposition as far as San Marino and Albania are concerned was an opportunity to make Konsa's mind for him. The appealing route into a signficantly more successful international side is more straightforward after all.

England run risk of losing Konsa to become Portugal's missing piece