Matty Cash delivered one of his finest performances in an Aston Villa shirt against Manchester City, strengthening my belief that he is the best right-back the club has seen in the Premier League era.
Despite encountering criticism from some fans throughout his career, Cash's development under Unai Emery has been remarkable. His display against Manchester City left no doubt in my mind that he stands as the top right-back in Villa's modern history.
Jeremy Doku, notable for his pace and ability to change direction, found himself well-contained by Cash, even though the Villa defender was on a yellow card. His focus, positioning, and decision-making were nothing short of exceptional.
Having transitioned from Nottingham Forest to Villa, Cash has adapted seamlessly to the right-back role and has fully grasped Emery's tactical demands. Emery is enhancing not only the new signings but also the players who have been at the club longer.
Cash’s experience, having been part of the squad since Emery's transformation began, is crucial for the team's balance. He understands Villa's style of play and possesses the experience needed for high-stakes matches.
While discussions about the best players can be subjective, Cash has certainly earned his place in such conversations. I believe he currently tops that list, and he's on a constant path of improvement.
It's hard to argue otherwise, especially considering how roles have evolved since the days of Earl. If I had to make a case for Earl, I'd mention that he was part of a defensive unit fighting for the title. However, in my view, Cash surpasses Earl in terms of longevity.
