
Key strength: Shot-stopping
Shot-stopper
With Aston Villa flying high in 3rd place, Marco Bizot has proven to be an inspired acquisition by the Midlands club. The 34-year-old Dutch goalkeeper, who joined Villa in July 2025, has already made 7 appearances and delivered 3 clean sheets—an impressive return for a backup keeper. His Europa League record is particularly noteworthy: two appearances, two clean sheets, showcasing his ability to perform on the continental stage. While Emiliano Martínez remains the undisputed first choice, Bizot's €2.5 million price tag represents excellent value for a seasoned professional who can step in without disrupting Villa's momentum. His 630 minutes of action this season demonstrate Unai Emery's trust in rotating his squad across multiple competitions. The Netherlands international brings strong shot-stopping ability and reliable distribution—key attributes for Villa's possession-based system. Bizot's reliability has been crucial during Villa's ambitious campaign. With the club challenging on multiple fronts, his ability to maintain clean sheets and provide calm, assured performances when called upon gives Emery crucial flexibility in goal. As Villa continue their push for European glory and Champions League qualification, the veteran shot-stopper's contributions prove that smart squad depth can be the difference between success and failure.