From what I can see, Paul Lambert has built a fairly solid squad with the limited financial resources available to him during his time here. However, looking at the squad we have and the way we play, I still believe there is room for improvement in the second half of the season.
Let’s start with the dead wood we have lying around Villa Park.
It’s obvious to me that Darren Bent has to go. His wages are extraordinarily high for our club, considering he never plays. His emergency loan to Brighton and Hove Albion could signify that he has played his last game in Villa colours.
Apart from Bent, I think N’Zogbia, on paper, gives us the creative spark that we crave; it is just a shame that he hasn’t showed it since being brought back into the team. Personally, I think it’s time for him to leave – but only if we can find a decent player to fill his position until Jack Grealish has more experience and is ready to start games regularly.
They are the players I would urge Lambert to move on but whow do the club need to bring in? Well, I reckon the Villans are craving an attacking winger who wants to drive into the box and take players on. Villa already have one of these players being nurtured -Jack Grealish. In the games we have seen him in, he has showe that desire to take on a player and drive into the box. However, being young, we don’t want to rush him into regular Premier League action so we need a replacement for N’Zogbia. I think someone like Southampton’s Mane would be a perfect fit for our squad. Securing his signature is unrealistic, I know, but he is the type of player we crave so badly.
So, with a new winger we would have someone who is able to feed Benteke in the air, as well as bagging goals himself. I can’t think of anywhere else particularly that needs improving. At the minute, we have a solid defence: Clark and Okore are playing brilliantly together, Cisshoko has been a decent buy and we all know about the rebirth of Alan Hutton. The midfield is looking solid with Sanchez, who in my opinion is dictating Villa’s build up play from deeper as well as covering the defenders, in there. Sanchez could be a real star in this Villa squad; his performance against United was unbelievable! Then we have Benteke up top and should soon have Kozak for cover.
Delph and Vlaar’s contracts are of some concern. With Lambert saying they wont leave in January, it means they are entitled to leave for free in the summer. If I were manager, I would cash in on Vlaar in January but try to tie Delph down, since he is a major asset to our team. Let’s hope that Lambert does what is best for the club.
