Unai Emery has 'new plan' for Alejandro Garnacho at Aston Villa after what he saw in friendly

Unai Emery has long-term plans for Alejandro Garnacho to play a key role for Aston Villa after he has seen encouraging signs.

The 22-year-old has endured a slow start to life at Villa Park since his move from Chelsea, but may have kickstarted his career after an impressive performance against Sevilla.

Aston Villa opted to play a friendly against Emery's former club during the extended international break, where the winger scored and impressed with his overall display.

Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that there is a belief that Emery could be the "perfect" manager to get the best out of Garnacho in the near future.

Despite reports elsewhere, Villa are not prepared to call time on the winger's loan spell just yet, and believe he can play an important part in their plans this season.

While there had been doubts raised about the club's willingness to make his move permanent, which would count on him meeting certain conditions, it remains a possibility.

What does Unai Emery have planned for Alejandro Garnacho?

Football Insider revaeled on 28 September that Emery will rely on Garnacho as a key part of his squad in the busier stages of the season, despite his slow start.

The winger has played just 31 competitive minutes since his loan move from Chelsea, sparking suggestions that he could replicate what Villa saw from Harvey Elliott last season.

However, Emery still has a clear plan for Garnacho, and after his performance against Sevilla, there is renewed optimsim that he can impress in a Villa shirt.

"Man United were rubbing their hands together when they sold Garnacho to Chelsea," Brown told Football Insider.

"They quickly realised he wasn't what they wanted, and a year later, he made the move to Aston Villa, and it felt a bit like they were going to have those same issues.

"He's not been playing regularly so far, and when that happens so early into your time at a club, there are always going to be questions asked.

"But he played well during their friendly game, that will be a huge boost to his confidence, and I'm sure Aston Villa will be taking the positive signs from his performance.

"It has been suggested to me that Unai Emery could be the perfect manager to get the best out of Garnacho and to get more out of him than he showed at Chelsea.

"Villa brought him in for a reason, they think he can play a role for them, and if Emery can work with him to improve then there's no reason he cannot be a success."

Could Garnacho be allowed to leave Aston Villa?

Despite the growing feeling that Emery could be set to get the best out of Garnacho, concerns have lingered about his place in the squad and lack of competitive playing time.

His mid-season friendly outing was impressive, but with players set to return from international duty, there are still doubts about his expected playing time.

As a result, former Aston Villa scout Bryan King told Football Insider on 28 September that Garnacho is bound to leave Villa Park and pursue a move away from English football.

The 22-year-old arrived at Villa Park from Chelsea in the summer summer, signing on loan with a conditional obligation to buy next summer for around £42million.

However, if his lack of playing time does continue despite the suggestions otherwise, then he will be allowed to return to Chelsea come the end of his loan spell.