By Martin Graham
Aston Villa’s This season’s rise has been based on many elements, but few are as quietly decisive as Boubacar camera. The French midfielder, now 26, has become one of the most reliable operators in the league without attracting much noise.
His importance was highlighted in his absence Tuesday night. With Kamara suspended, Villa were heavily beaten 4-1 arsenala result that halted a club-best 11-game winning streak.
Despite this setback, Villa remain third, and their campaign continues to exceed expectations. Kamara is expected to bounce back Nottingham Foresta return that could quickly restore balance.
Signed from Marseille on a free transfer in 2022, Kamara looms as one of the shrewdest signings of recent Premier League seasons. Of modest profile and personality, however, he has become the center of Villa’s progress.
Winning the search for a crucial profile
In January 2022, Villa’s recruitment team identified a clear weakness. Under Steven Gerrard, the team lacked a disciplined midfielder capable of anchoring play and releasing more attack-minded teammates, including John McGinn.
There was a detailed discussion on building the right midfield combination, particularly how to maximize Douglas Luiz. Villa’s team believed that the role of a defensive midfielder was structurally as vital as a central pairing.
Kamara’s versatility stood out. At Marseille he had played in both defense and midfield, often dropping into the backline during the build-up stages. That flexibility demonstrated his spatial awareness and his comfort initiating play from deep areas.
Scouts were also convinced by his temperament. Having made his debut at 16 for Marseille after joining the club as a child, Kamara was used to scrutiny and expectation. His composure suggested he could adapt seamlessly to English football.
There were fitness concerns. In his first season at Villa, knee and ankle problems ruled him out of 17 games. Things took a turn for the worse in February 2024 when an ACL injury against Manchester United sidelined him for eight months.
Still, Villa was confident of his stamina, shaped by heavy workloads in France. A scouting trip to Marseille’s win in Lens at the start of 2022 proved decisive, with Kamara preferred over Cheick Doucoure, who later joined Crystal Palace.
Other options were considered, including Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur and PSV midfielder Ibrahim Sangare. However, Villa delayed any winter moves, opting to secure Kamara that summer, winning over Atletico Madrid after senior figures at the club met the player in person.
Emery’s system is based on discipline
Although Gerrard’s tenure ended badly, he played a key role in securing Kamara’s signature. It is Unai Emery, however, who has made the most of the midfielder’s strengths.
Kamara’s positional intelligence fits Emery’s structured approach, prioritizing awareness and control over running numbers. The head coach sees him as a rare platform for the entire side.
Emery recently dismissed suggestions that Kamara is undervalued internally, pointing to the five-year contract extension agreed last summer. The manager believes the player’s development is still ongoing, especially after coming back strongly from a long-term injury.
Villa’s results underscore this view. Without Kamara for the latter stages of the 2023-24 season, their win percentage dropped sharply, forcing a tight top-four finish by just two points.
Individually, their influence is subtle but measurable. He is among Villa’s leaders for forward passes, boasts the highest accuracy in advanced areas and ranks close to tackles and duels won.
Kamara has also contributed decisive moments, including a spectacular winning goal against Wolves. More importantly, his presence seems to lift those around him, a point reinforced by the praise of John McGinn and the struggles of Douglas Luiz since he left.
In a game increasingly dominated by style and stats, Kamara’s value lies in accuracy, poise and reliability. Villa’s success has been built on these qualities, with him at the centre.
