Taylor Harwood-Bellis in Southampton home kit

Taylor Harwood-BellisImago

Aston Villa could be about to secure perfect Ezri Konsa replacement, 4.05 and 60.8% stats show why

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

22 Aug 2026, 7:30 am

Aston Villa are in desperate need of a new centre-back after Ezri Konsa completed a move to Arsenal.

The defender could be announced as the Gunners’ latest signing on Friday after the two clubs agreed on a £51million fee, with an additional £4m in add-ons.

However, with Villa’s Premier League season set to start on Sunday, the move has left the club short at the back.

One player who has been heavily linked with a move to Villa Park amid the Konsa news is Taylor Harwood-Bellis, with an £ 18m-plus bid reportedly being placed.

The Southampton star has emerged as one of England’s most promising defenders after another impressive season in the Championship.

While many Villa fans may have reservations about signing the England international, the stats indicate that he could be the perfect replacement.

What are Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ stats?

Harwood-Bellis was one of the best players in the Championship last season.

The centre-back was crucial to the Saints reaching the playoffs before they were kicked out over the ‘spygate’ saga.

As a result, many of the defender’s stats are excellent from his 2025-26 campaign in the Championship.

According to Fotmob on 21 August, he averaged 5.83 duels won with a 60.8 per cent overall success rate, 3.66 aerial duels won with a 58.4 per cent overall success rate, 0.88 tackles, 0.90 interceptions, 4.05 recoveries, 0.15 times possession was won in the final third and 7.41 clearances per 90 minutes.

These stats are obviously very impressive, and show exactly why Villa have made a bid for the defender, according to The Athletic.

While it has to be remembered that these stats were achieved in the second tier, it is no doubt a promising sign, especially as he is only likely to improve further.

Aston Villa should complete signing of London-club defender with better stats than Ezri Konsa last season

How does Harwood-Bellis compare to Ezri Konsa?

When comparing these stats to Konsa’s, Harwood-Bellis’ are often better.

Last season, Konsa was averaging 2.96 duels won with a 67.1 per cent overall success rate, 0.95 aerial duels won with a 57.1 per cent overall success rate, 0.65 tackles, 0.68 interceptions, 3.20 recoveries, 0.09 times possession was won in the final third and 3.62 clearances per 90 minutes.

Therefore, as long as Harwood-Bellis can make the step up to the Premier League, he could prove to be the perfect replacement.

However, it remains to be seen if Villa are able to get a deal over the line for the defender.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis