Tuanzebe’s form at centre-back highlights Bruce’s tactical blind spot

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Since Dean Smith has taken over as Aston Villa manager, Axel Tuanzebe has really upped his performances.

Smith has moved Tuanzebe into central defence, which is his preferred position.

The 20-year-old, on loan from Manchester United, is forming a solid partnership with James Chester now.

Yesterday’s match was a coming-of-age performance for the young defender.

He was up against Jack Marriott, a striker who had five goals in six games prior to this clash.

But he managed to keep Marriott quiet and lay the foundation for a clean sheet and three points.

Tuanzebe’s influential displays at centre-half make Bruce’s decision to push him to right-back all the more confusing.

In fact, Bruce had a habit of playing his men out of position, with Mile Jedinak (central midfield) often operating at centre-back and Alan Hutton (right-back) featuring at left-back.

Smith has come in and put square pegs in square holes and it comes as no surprise to find that certain players are performing much better when playing in their natural position.

Tuanzebe is the biggest example of this and his switch from right-back to centre-back has helped shore up the Aston Villa defence.

Bruce’s decision to experiment with various players cost Aston Villa plenty of points and ultimately cost him his job.

Smith is already starting to expose those tactical blind spots.