Tyrone Mings’ leadership at Walsall and forgotten signing impresses in pre-season defeat
06:00, 17 Jul 2025Updated 07:06, 17 Jul 2025
Our dedicated Aston Villa reporter is always on the pulse of all things claret and blue, from major talking points to transfer news to match action, John Townley will bring you the very latest from Bodymoor Heath and Villa Park.
Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings(Image: PA)
Aston Villa’s pre-season programme began with a 1–0 defeat at Walsall on Wednesday night.
Harrison Burke scored the only goal of the friendly in the 38th minute, and without a response, League Two side Walsall secured the narrow win.
Villa’s best chances came late in the second half, with Charlie Pavey and Lewis Dobbin coming closest to grabbing an equaliser.
Unai Emery’s squad will now travel to Germany on Friday ahead of their next pre-season fixture against Hansa Rostock on Saturday afternoon (3pm UK time).
Here are a few takeaways from the friendly…
Valuable experience for the youngsters
The annual friendly at Walsall has become a traditional curtain-raiser for Villa’s pre-season, offering senior players some much-needed minutes and giving younger prospects a chance to impress.
While it’s difficult to make a lasting impression in just one 45-minute stint, Villa’s youth players benefited from the invaluable experience of playing alongside seasoned professionals.
TJ Carroll partnering with Tyrone Mings, and George Hemmings linking up with Boubacar Kamara, provided both teenagers with vital learning moments in a short space of time.
“Get it, TJ!” Mings bellowed as his younger partner pressed after a Walsall throw-in. Moments later, Carroll won a duel but opted for a flashy move instead of playing it safe.
Mings responded by pointing to his head with a stern look – clearly offering on-the-pitch coaching as the game went on.
Putting Mings on a new deal until 2027 must have been a no-brainer for Emery, who relies on Mings’ leadership.
For Hemmings, playing alongside Kamara was undoubtedly a valuable experience. The former Nottingham Forest academy midfielder showed promise in the second half.
Content cannot be displayed without consentMosquera’s encouraging signs
Another youth prospect who caught the eye was Colombian defender Yeimar Mosquera, who many fans might well have forgotten signed for Villa from Orsomarso last year.
At 20, Mosquera looks ready for a loan move to further his development, but he already has the raw qualities to become a high-level centre-back.
He has an imposing physical presence and impressive pace, although some aspects of his game still need refining – which is to be expected at this stage.
Mosquera joined Villa last August but was immediately loaned to Real Unión before returning to Bodymoor Heath in January.
Against Walsall, he looked composed alongside Pau Torres, distributed the ball well, and cleared his lines when necessary.
At times, he showed over-eagerness in challenges – one first-half tackle in particular drew penalty appeals from the Walsall players.
Later, after sprinting back to snuff out a threat, he was a little too forceful in ushering a Saddlers forward away from goal, eventually bundling him over.
Still, there was plenty to encourage both Emery and Villa fans from Mosquera’s 45-minute performance.
Adomah’s appreciation
Albert Adomah was warmly welcomed by Villa fans at the Bescot Stadium on Wednesday night as he gears up for his second season with Walsall.
Last summer, Adomah joined the Saddlers on trial before earning a contract. He made 125 appearances for Villa and was part of the side that won promotion six years ago.
Chants of “Ohhh Albert Adomah” rang out from the away end throughout the match.
The winger wore the captain’s armband for the friendly and acknowledged the Villa fans with applause after they sang his name.
Another round of cheers followed an acrobatic overhead kick inside the box in the second half – blocked by none other than Mings.
As Adomah was subbed off later in the half, he and Mings – teammates during Villa’s 2018/19 campaign – shook hands and shared an embrace.
Who impressed you at Walsall? Tell us here
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