Aston Villa might have been relegated from the Premier League last term but despite that, they were deemed as the favourites to construct their way back to the top tier even prior to their first kick of the ball. Things have panned out against the popular belief as they seem to have lost the winning mentality which they once possessed, the latest reminder of which was deduced from their drubbing at the hands of Brentford at Griffin Park where they conceded three goals without a reply.
Steve Bruce, however, has played a key role in the January transfer window by introducing to a better functioning of the system which is in dire need of a win (mind you, the Villans haven’t won in their last six outings!). As many as eight newcomers have joined hands with Bruce last month to help restore Aston Villa’s lost pride. How good can their incoming deals be summarised as?
Scott Hogan (9/10)
A lot of admirers and prospective buyers lined up at the gates of Griffin Park for the signature of in-form striking sensation Scott Hogan. The 24-year-old bagged 14 goals in 24 appearances for the Bees and without any shadow of a doubt, Bruce has struck gold with this acquisition.
Sam Johnstone (5/10)
Manchester United youngster Sam Johnstone has been signed on loan for the remainder of the season to add quantity in terms of the goalkeeping role. The 23-year-old has had good loan spells with Doncaster and Preston, which is why Bruce was quick to rope him in.
Henri Lansbury (7/10)
Aston Villa were always keen to land Nottingham Forest’s skipper, and they eventually did. He will bolster the attacking setup, for he scores, sets up and knits the team up front and also boasts of a strong physique and incredible work ethic.
James Bree (7/10)
Another sensational youngster to have erupted to the scene, Bree is a full-back who can very well fit in the central defensive slot as well. It is only a matter of time before the 19-year-old is signed by a mega club in the near future.
Birkir Bjarnason (7/10)
The 28-year-old midfielder was signed from FC Basel. He is conventionally a winger but can ply his trade in the middle as well. Bjarnason will bring a taste of experience, versatility and cunning approach to the former Hull City manager’s regime at the Villa Park.
Conor Hourihane (7.5/10)
Hourihane is a shrewd signing: he will toil relentlessly, get the ball, keep possession, will keep making tackles and create chances time and again. In a midfield of three, as preferred by Bruce, Hourihane will be engineered mostly on the right wing as the Villans need a formidable force in that region.
Jacob Bedeau (6/10)
An astute signing, but basically he is the one for future. Brought from League One outfit Bury, the 17-year-old will be adding quantity wise at least but has earned rave reviews and thus will be an instrumental factor in Aston Villa’s rebuilding process.
Neil Taylor (8/10)
Alan Hutton and Jordan Amavi were scattered all over the place in Aston Villa’s latest shambolic outing and no wonder why Neil Taylor was signed on the deadline day. He will bring competitiveness, truckloads of experience and tenacity in the left-back slot which will come handy in Villans’ promotions push.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
