Aston Villa have managed to land one of the most exciting youngsters in the Premier League in Josh Onomah, who joined the Villa Park on a loan for this season. Onomah was a crucial part of the U-20 England squad that won the World Cup recently and his performances in the tournament could be the reason why Steve Bruce has been very determined in bringing the player to the club this summer.
The veteran gaffer is very keen to restore the club’s glory after the disappointments in the last season. Despite spending vigorously, they failed to make a positive impact last campaign as they finished the season in 13th position and the gaffer is now very keen to improve on those performance.
Aston Villa have already swapped in John Terry from Chelsea on a free transfer and also have the prized catch of Glenn Whelan from Stoke City. Villa’s midfield situation is a bit imbalanced at this moment and Onomah could lend some stability to that position.
The 20-year-old emerged as the next big thing at the White Hart Lane last season but lost his position to Harry Winks who was the choice preferred ahead of him. He further consolidated his position in the North London side by giving a very overwhelming presence in the U-20 World Cup. He held the shape of the team from the deep and his visionary distribution was a delight to watch.
However, Mauricio Pochettino’s stance with the player stood a bit different. The Argentine believed the player’s actual potential lies playing in the wider position as he will be able to cash in on his pace and dribbling. But Onomah is seen as a crucial part of England’s crop of most talented players and if given a chance, he can prove to be a versatile player in the coming days.
In Whelan, Villa have one of the most reliable midfield destroyers but when it comes to creativity currently, Villa are short of quality in that position. Jack Grealish has been ruled out for almost three months and Mile Jedinak is also nursing an injury. It is up to Bruce as to how he wants the player to be utilised at the Villa Park.
Although Onomah has a long term contract with the club, a player of his kind needs proper nurturing and a regular place in the first team in the Championship might help him get ready for the rigours of the Premier League in a year’s time.
