Álex Moreno: The Overlooked Engine of Aston Villa’s Left Flank and Leeds United want him!

 When Aston Villa secured the signing of Álex Moreno from Real Betis in January 2023 for a fee reported to be around £13 million, it was met with polite nods rather than fireworks. Yet since arriving at Villa Park, the Spanish left-back has quietly become one of Unai Emery’s most reliable and dynamic performers.

A La Liga Polisher Comes to England

Born in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, Spain, Moreno honed his craft in La Liga, enjoying standout spells at Rayo Vallecano and later Real Betis. Known for his blistering pace, tight control in tight spaces, and high stamina, Moreno brought with him a profile rarely seen in traditional full-backs: the ability to operate almost as a winger in Emery’s aggressive system.

During his time in Spain, Moreno had established himself not just as a solid defender, but as a progressive, high-octane runner capable of overlapping consistently. That technical and physical blend made him a perfect fit for the Premier League—and Emery knew it.

The Emery Effect

Under Unai Emery, Villa have transformed into European contenders, finishing in the top seven in the 2023–24 season. Moreno, despite struggling with minor injuries and competition from Lucas Digne, has played a crucial role in Villa’s counter-attacking shape. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he adds width, tempo, and defensive discipline on the left.

His performances in the UEFA Europa Conference League campaign highlighted his continental pedigree. Against tricky European opposition, Moreno’s ability to recover quickly and make intelligent decisions under pressure proved invaluable.

Strengths and Style of Play

• Pace and Dribbling: Moreno’s acceleration allows him to beat defenders on the outside, stretch compact backlines, and provide consistent overlaps.

• Defensive Work Rate: Unlike many attack-minded full-backs, he maintains positional discipline and tracks runners diligently.

• Technical Finesse: A product of Spanish football, his close control and quick passing under pressure make him comfortable in Emery’s possession-based system.

What the Future Holds

At 31, Moreno isn’t a long-term project, but he remains a top-tier option for Villa in the short to medium term. With European football at Villa Park, squad depth is critical, and Moreno’s versatility—capable of playing as a wing-back or even a left-sided midfielder in emergencies—makes him a valuable asset. Although Leeds United according to reliable Journalist Ben Jacobs, says Leeds are one team wanting his services. At five million pounds it seems an obvious choice to fill the gaping whole The Whites have in that position.

There have been whispers of interest from other clubs, especially as Villa eye younger replacements and consider rotation. However, for now, Álex Moreno remains contracted to Aston Villa and adds: experience, effectiveness, and quietly elite.