Aston Villa
After a fairly decent 2013-14 season Aston Villa may struggle this year. Many Villa fans have been frustrated at Paul Lambert’s arguably unimaginative signings.
Most important signing
Swiss international Phillipe Senderos could prove to be a decent signing for Villa. If all goes according to plan the 29 year old centre back could form a very solid defensive partnership with the World Cup 2014 standout Ron Vlaar of the Netherlands.
Other signings
The Glasgow born manager has also brought in former England international midfielder Joe Cole. The former Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham fans favourite will give the already experienced Villa side with extra no how. Admittedly Cole will provide the side with much more midfield depth. However, many West Ham fans last season agreed that Cole’s top flight appearances are numbered due to his poor displays in the bubbly Upton Park.
Left wing/ back Kieran Richardson also signed for Villa this summer for a reported £600k. The five foot nine versatile Englishman signed with Villa from Championship side Fulham. A similar signing to Cole as in many of his former clubs fans were wondering if Richardson was still cut out for playing in the top English tier.
Left back Ally Cissokho has signed a 4 year deal at Villa Park after leaving Valencia at the end of last season. The Frenchman spent a successful 2013-14 season on loan at Liverpool despite only making fifteen appearances at the Anfield side.
Defensive midfielder Carlos Sanchez Morono has also joined Villa after a season in the La Liga with Elche. Despite never seeing the midfielder, YouTube videos and his nickname of “the rock” suggests he will be a solid midfielder.
Key player
Christian Benteke once again this season has the pressure of leading Villa’s attacking line. At times last season the Belgian striker had little support from the Villa midfield and injuries and lack of form prevented him from scoring more often. However, Benteke chipped in with a health tally of twenty seven goals last term. His scoring will be vital if Villa are to stay clear of the drop.
Areas needed to be strengthened
With a reasonably strong defence this season, Villa seem to be lacking fire power going forward this season. I believe a creative midfielder could greatly improve the squad and I don’t believe Joe Cole is the influential midfielder that the Villa fans were calling for. Tom Cleverley could prove to be a decent signing for Villa if he performs more consistently than he did at his time in Manchester.
Where they’ll finish
Instead of signing young and hungry players they have gone for the safer option bringing inexperienced but higher mileage players, perhaps a safer option that would make staying in the league an accomplish. 15th is a realistic guess.
Article by Joseph James
After a fairly decent 2013-14 season Aston Villa may struggle this year. Many Villa fans have been frustrated at Paul Lambert’s arguably unimaginative signings.
Most important signing
Swiss international Phillipe Senderos could prove to be a decent signing for Villa. If all goes according to plan the 29 year old centre back could form a very solid defensive partnership with the World Cup 2014 standout Ron Vlaar of the Netherlands.
Other signings
The Glasgow born manager has also brought in former England international midfielder Joe Cole. The former Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham fans favourite will give the already experienced Villa side with extra no how. Admittedly Cole will provide the side with much more midfield depth. However, many West Ham fans last season agreed that Cole’s top flight appearances are numbered due to his poor displays in the bubbly Upton Park.
Left wing/ back Kieran Richardson also signed for Villa this summer for a reported £600k. The five foot nine versatile Englishman signed with Villa from Championship side Fulham. A similar signing to Cole as in many of his former clubs fans were wondering if Richardson was still cut out for playing in the top English tier.
Left back Ally Cissokho has signed a 4 year deal at Villa Park after leaving Valencia at the end of last season. The Frenchman spent a successful 2013-14 season on loan at Liverpool despite only making fifteen appearances at the Anfield side.
Defensive midfielder Carlos Sanchez Morono has also joined Villa after a season in the La Liga with Elche. Despite never seeing the midfielder, YouTube videos and his nickname of “the rock” suggests he will be a solid midfielder.
Key player
Christian Benteke once again this season has the pressure of leading Villa’s attacking line. At times last season the Belgian striker had little support from the Villa midfield and injuries and lack of form prevented him from scoring more often. However, Benteke chipped in with a health tally of twenty seven goals last term. His scoring will be vital if Villa are to stay clear of the drop.
Areas needed to be strengthened
With a reasonably strong defence this season, Villa seem to be lacking fire power going forward this season. I believe a creative midfielder could greatly improve the squad and I don’t believe Joe Cole is the influential midfielder that the Villa fans were calling for. Tom Cleverley could prove to be a decent signing for Villa if he performs more consistently than he did at his time in Manchester.
Where they’ll finish
Instead of signing young and hungry players they have gone for the safer option bringing inexperienced but higher mileage players, perhaps a safer option that would make staying in the league an accomplish. 15th is a realistic guess.
Article by Joseph James