How will Aston Villa defender Axel Tuanzebe cope with Jack Marriott?

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Aston Villa defender Axel Tuanzebe has looked a man reborn since the appointment of manager Dean Smith and played every minute of his first four games in charge.

The 20-year-old, who is on loan from Manchester United, saw his form suffer in the early stages of the campaign due to the fact his versatility meant he played both full-back and centre-back.

But the Englishman has now consolidated his spot in the heart of defence and is learning alongside James Chester.

Tuanzebe is beginning to build some momentum at centre-back with his form, but at the weekend faces a huge test in the clash against Derby County.

Villa travel to Derby for a Championship fixture on Saturday and Frank Lampard’s side have started to hit top form.

Rams centre-forward Jack Marriott is a man possessed in front of goal right now and is set to pose a real test for Tuanzebe.

The 24-year-old has scored four goals in his last five league matches, while also netting in the cup against Manchester United and Chelsea.

Tuanzebe is a powerhouse defender that is good in the air and has great pace, but one slip up against someone in Marriott’s form is likely to prove costly.