An upsurge under Dean Smith led to an incredible Premier League return, but the challenge will be sterner for Aston Villa to stay up in the top tier against quality opponents. The Villa boss has made eight first-team signings so far to bolster the squad and is reportedly keen on a reunion with Brentford hitman Neal Maupay according to the Sun almost a couple of months back.
But the 22-year-old Frenchman has now been urged to stay in Griffin Park for the upcoming term and help the Bees to clinch promotion defying the odds. The club have shown real intent by roping in Pontus Jansson from Leeds United, and the Swedish centre-back has hailed the 25-goal-striker as ‘one of the best attackers in the Championship’ in a recent conversation.
“I would be really happy if he stays, I hope he does. I think there is something buzzing around the club. When Brentford have a good day they can beat anyone. For me, it is stupid if you don’t aim for it (promotion).
Told the 28-year-old (as cited by Evening Standard) who joined Brentford days before Ezri Konsa’s transfer to Villa Park.
Why Aston Villa Should Tie Him Down Before The Season Begins
Smith managed and mentored Maupay in Greater London and knows how to deploy him in the attacking third. He is a natural finisher who loves to take on the defenders, dribble past the opponents and threaten on the counter. His sense of positioning, holding, shooting techniques along with link-up play not only creates chances but also enables the teammates to combine upfront and distort the opposition’s defensive resilience with pace, smart skills, swift movements and tricky runs in and around the box.
What He Would Add In Smith’s Set-up
The gaffer has roped in Wesley Moraes from Club Brugge who is known for his physical as well as aerial supremacy while spearheading the attack. Jonathan Kodjia is the other centre-forward option who holds similar attributes, thus underlining Smith’s potential counter-attacking strategy while contesting in the top-flight of English football.
Maupay, a former Les Bleus youth international, would introduce a contrasting approach to what Wesley and Kodjia are supposed to inject. His low centre of gravity allows him to move faster and utilise the space by beating the markers.
While the former duo would expect pinpoint crosses from the flanks, the Brentford ‘number 9’ engages the wide forwards more and encourages them to cut inside, and play quick one-twos to split the defence.
