Championship outfit Aston Villa have not started their season in a grand manner, as they have collected merely 5 points to their name in 5 league outings with the latest one ending in a 1-1 draw against Bristol City at the Ashton Gate. But then, credit where it is due, the Villans have indeed made some stupendous and shrewd signings over the course of the summer transfer window to accumulate a strong side for themselves.
Steve Bruce was quick to act in the ongoing transfer window as he bagged some appealing names like Glenn Whelan, John Terry, Ahmed Elmohamady and Sam Johnstone to name a few. To strengthen their arsenal further, the Lions have lured West Ham United’s versatile player Robert Snodgrass on loan for the rest of the season. Bruce and Snodgrass have previously worked together successfully at Hull City and the manager is indeed an admirer of what the Scottish international has on offer.
The 29-year-old signed for the Hammers in the January transfer window for £10.2million from the ranks of the Tigers. He was roped in after the exit of French international Dimitri Payet but he couldn’t really make an impact after his move to the London based club. One of the prime reasons for the same could be traced to the improper utilization of Snodgrass by Slaven Bilic, for despite being a prolific attacker from the right-wing, the Croatian engineered him on the left-wing or as a No.10.
As a result, he could muster merely a couple of assists and failed to register even a single goal to his name. Slowly but surely, the relationship between the winger and Bilic deteriorated considerably and eventually, the Irons decided to ship him out on loan. Nonetheless, the deal has all the ingredients to be a beneficial one for the Claret and Blue, considering that Snodgrass is a player who has truckloads of experience of English football under his belt.
Snodgrass is a clever attacker who makes good use of his intelligence, commitment and grit. Bruce’s side needed a prolific offensive player and they have indeed found one in the Scot, who would enhance the productivity of his new side in the final third and would lead to the cultivation of ample amount of chances for his teammates. Besides, had he stayed at the London Stadium, his stature might have diluted further and at the onset, it looks like his move to Aston Villa is likely to yield substantial dividends for him as well.
