Aston Villa’s pursuit of John Terry might finally come to an end as the former English defender is close to joining Spartak Moscow. Steve Bruce had spent too long on trying to lure Terry to Villa Park but is now on the hunt for a replacement. And three-time Premier League winner Robert Huth is now on his wish-list. Currently a free-agent, Huth is also wanted by West Brom, but his experience is something Bruce is desperate to add to his side.
A product of the academy at Chelsea, the 34-year old won back to back league titles in his fourth and fifth seasons with the senior side. However, he failed to cement his place in the first team and was sent to Middlesbrough in 2006. He was unable to keep the club in the top tier in his third season at the Riverside but was soon back in the Premier League with Stoke City.
He spent six years in Stoke but moved to Leicester City, first on loan, in 2014. In just his second season at King Power, Huth, alongside Wes Morgan built the pillars on which the Foxes lifted the league title in a dream title run. That was probably his best year as a footballer. But last season, he was nowhere to be seen in the first team at King Power. He decided not to extend his stay in Leicester, and his experience could be a decent asset for Aston Villa.
With 231 Premier League games and 19 international appearances for Germany, the 34-year old is one of the most experienced defenders currently in England. He is strong in the air and is rarely prone to errors. At his best, he was hard to beat in one-on-one situations but could be caught out for pace at the back, at this age.
He is a no-nonsense defender, who can be a leader at the back. He is adept at keeping the discipline of the backline while his ability to be a real presence at both ends of the field could make the difference for Villa in crunch games.
Bruce has used James Chester and Mile Jedinak as his first choice defenders this season, while Tommy Elphick is a more than capable cover for the first two options. Axel Tuanzebe can also put in a shift in that role, but the experienced head of Huth can be a real leader to this bunch.
Terry was also wanted for the same reason. Having a player with lots to share can have a significant impact on and off the field and signing Huth can only make Aston Villa stronger. It is reported that he has been training with Stoke City to stay in shape, which would also mean that he is ready for action straight away.
