Emery warns Garnacho still adapting as Villa academy star leapfrogs him in pecking order

Unai Emery has publicly acknowledged that Alejandro Garnacho is still finding his feet at Aston Villa, with the Argentine forward yet to make a meaningful impact since joining on loan from Chelsea this summer.

Garnacho has managed just three substitute appearances for Villa so far this season, and speaking after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Hull City, Emery drew a pointed contrast between the 21-year-old and academy graduate George Hemmings, who has already staked a claim for a regular Premier League role.

“George, he worked last year the whole year with us and played minutes. He is performing fantastic and getting better,” Emery said. “He created one assist for Buendia. He is working in the intensity and kilometres we need. He is doing it. I think he is a player now, clearly, to be in the Premier League.”

On Garnacho, the Villa head coach was measured but direct: “We have other players who joined who need to adapt to us in training, playing matches, and Garnacho is in this way. We need their performance to try to add things, working and getting numbers. Garnacho is in this way.”

The loan move to Villa carries an obligation to buy at the end of the season if certain conditions are met, raising the stakes for a player who has struggled for consistency since his early promise at Manchester United. After falling out of favour at Old Trafford, Garnacho spent a year at Chelsea but managed only one Premier League goal in 24 appearances at Stamford Bridge.

The forward was candid about his motivations when his move to Villa Park was confirmed. “I was looking for a club to get my confidence back, so I can try to become the player I was a few years ago in my first years at Manchester United,” he said. “I spoke with the manager and he gave me the confidence to try to help the team here — that’s why I’m here.”

Garnacho also pointed to Villa’s participation in the Champions League as a key factor in his decision, expressing hope that the club can make a significant run in the competition. Whether he can force his way into Emery’s starting plans before the permanent clause comes into play remains the central question of his season.