In a recent interview with Football Insider, ex-Leeds United forward Noel Whelan tipped Aston Villa to recruit Chelsea marksman Tammy Abraham ahead of other clubs during the summer transfer window. When quizzed on whether the Villans are the favourites to land the English frontman, Whelan said, “Yeah, I probably would say so, absolutely. The fact that you’ve been at a club before, you know the surroundings, the manager.
“It’d be an easier way to fit in and settle in at a club when you’ve been there before.
“Aston Villa, I would say, would be just pipping everybody else with the fact that he has had a long loan spell there and was very successful.
“I think because they’re getting younger players in and around that squad as well. Dean Smith would be a fantastic role model and manager to have.”
Abraham’s Season Of Mixed Emotions At West London
Abraham gave a good account of himself in the first half of the campaign. However, ever since Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as the new Chelsea manager, the English striker has lost his way at Stamford Bridge in this calendar year.
The 23-year-old also missed several key matches because of an ankle injury that has not helped his cause under Tuchel’s stewardship. Still, Abraham deserves a bit of credit for banging in 12 goals and providing six assists in 32 matches for the West London giants this term across all competitions.
The London-born sensation has struggled to be consistent with his all-round contributions in the attacking third as he is averaging 0.8 clearances, 1.5 shots and 0.4 key passes per game in Premier League football this season. He has even been a bit untidy when distributing the ball after making 72.7% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
What Will The English Centre-Forward Add To Dean Smith’s Team?
Abraham has decent pace in his locker and is a powerful runner with the ball in the opposition half. He can use his strong and athletic 1.90m frame to hold possession up for his side and can make some clever turns to get a few shots in at goal.
The six-time England international can score goals consistently when he is playing with confidence on the field. Hence, Dean Smith can expect Abraham to add more goals and physicality to his attacking department if the Villans can find a way to get a deal done for him ahead of the new campaign.
The former Chelsea striker knows the West Midlands club from his previous loan spell at Villa Park, so he won’t have too much trouble settling into life over there. Plus, he will add some much-needed competition for Ollie Watkins and could even go on to form a fruitful partnership with him up top. At 23, Abraham is yet to embark upon the prime stage of his playing career. Hence, Smith would fancy getting the best out of the English player if he can successfully bring him on board this summer.
