Here’s John Townley’s assessment of the Aston Villa players following a 3-1 defeat at Hansa Rostock
17:01, 19 Jul 2025Updated 18:37, 19 Jul 2025
Our dedicated Aston Villa reporter is always on the pulse of all things claret and blue, from major talking points to transfer news to match action, John Townley will bring you the very latest from Bodymoor Heath and Villa Park.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery(Image: PA)
Aston Villa lost 3-1 to Hansa Rostock at the Ostseestadion in Germany as their preparations for the new campaign continued.
Jacob Ramsey put Villa ahead just before half-time with a neat finish from the edge of the box, before David Hummel equalised shortly after the hour mark and Max Krauß completed the comeback in the 85th minute. There was enough time for Hummel to double his tally late on.
Villa came close to opening the scoring in the 20th minute when Tyrone Mings headed Ross Barkley’s corner against the far post. The ball then rebounded off goalkeeper Benjamin Uphoff and struck the woodwork a second time.
Seven minutes later, Andreas Voglsammer was denied at the other end by a vital block from Pau Torres, who threw himself in front of the striker’s effort on goal. The chance came after Jamal Jimoh-Aloba was dispossessed in midfield, leading to Rostock’s first real opportunity of the half.
The hosts continued to apply pressure towards the end of the first period, but it was Villa who went into the break ahead. Ramsey collected the ball from Alex Moreno on the left, shifted it inside, and fired into the far corner.
Unai Emery made a host of changes in the 65th minute and played a youthful side for the remainder of the match.
Rostock drew level shortly after when Hummel beat Filip Marschall from close range, capitalising on a mistake by TJ Carroll inside the box.
Krauß then made it 2-1 in the final stages of the game as he cut inside from the right and fired past Marschall from the edge of the box.
Hummel grabbed his second of the afternoon by heading in from close range following Marschall’s initial save.
Player Ratings
Marco Bizot An impressive first outing from Bizot, who looked comfortable in possession and untroubled by the pressure applied by Rostock’s forwards. Replaced by Marschall at half-time.
Lamare Bogarde Bogarde filled in at right centre-back for the first hour after playing in midfield against Walsall. He was tidy on the ball, with little threat coming down his side.
Tyrone Mings Hit the post in the 20th minute with a glancing header from Barkley’s corner. Distributed the ball well when Villa played out from the back.
Pau Torres Saw plenty of possession and looked to progress the ball at every opportunity. Made a crucial block in the 27th minute to deny Voglsammer from close range.
Andres Garcia Deployed further forward as a right wing-back. Energetic and made good use of the width when given the chance to run at defenders.
Alex Moreno Held his width well and offered a strong outlet on the left flank. Booked just before half-time for stopping a counter-attack but later assisted Ramsey’s opener.
Boubacar Kamara Typically industrious in midfield. Sent a shot over the bar in the 32nd minute from around 25 yards.
Ross Barkley Took a knock early but continued. Partnered Kamara in midfield and delivered the corner that led to Mings hitting the post.
Bradley Burrowes Earned a start after an impressive cameo at Walsall. Supported Jimoh-Aloba well and linked play smartly in the final third.
Jacob Ramsey Dropped deep to collect and drive forward. Combined well with Moreno for his goal – a well-taken strike into the far corner. Ramsey only managed one league goal last term, so that’ll give him a timely confidence boost with the new campaign approaching.
Jamal Jimoh-Aloba Started up front in his second successive pre-season appearance. Struggled for involvement early on and was dispossessed in the build-up to Voglsammer’s chance, but showed flashes of quality with his ball-carrying and ability to draw fouls.
SUBS
George Hemmings (for Barkley, 46′) Impressed again following a strong second-half display against Walsall. Takes the ball well in tight spaces and never afraid to put his foot in.
Yasin Ozcan (for Moreno, 46′) Aggressive in the tackle – perhaps too much – earning a yellow card just eight minutes after coming on.
Filip Marschall (for Bizot, 46′) Marschall was beaten from a tight angle by Hummel and then again from the edge of the box by Krauß. Otherwise dealt well with aerial threats.
Charlie Pavey (for Jimoh-Aloba, 65′) Added energy to the attack and looked a nuisance for the Rostock defence.
TJ Carroll (for Mings, 65′) Will learn from overplaying in the box, which directly led to Rostock’s equaliser.
Travis Patterson (for Ramsey, 65′) Played off the left again, as he did against Walsall.
Triston Rowe (for Garcia, 65′) Up and down the right flank, but will feel he should have done more to prevent Krauß from cutting inside from the wing and into a position to shoot. Could head into the EFL with interest coming from the Championship and League One this summer.
Yeimar Mosquera (for Torres, 65′)Useful test for Mosquera and the other youngsters on the pitch, dealing with that game state having been pegged back just after coming on.
Lewis Dobbin (for Kamara, 65′) Found space in the box a few times but couldn’t quite test the keeper.
Aidan Borland (for Bogarde, 77′): N/A
Louie Barry (for Burrowes, 77′): N/A
Subs not used: Proctor.
GOALS
Hansa Rostock: Hummel (67′, 88′), Krauß (85′)
Aston Villa: Ramsey (45′)
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