Agbonlahor: Buendia and ‘outstanding’ Aston Villa teammate have been transformed after what I’ve seen
Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Emiliano Buendia and Ashley Young have benefitted the most the system Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa system.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer delivered his verdict after working on BT Sport’s coverage on the 2-0 win over Norwich City last week (14 December).
That result made it four wins out of six games for Gerrard at Aston Villa since he replaced Dean Smith last month (11 November).
They have only suffered narrow defeats to Man City and Liverpool and are now up to 10th in the Premier League table.
“What was great about where I was sat in the studio I had a great view of the game,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I was very impressed with Aston Villa’s style of play, the formation and tactics.
“The way Steven Gerrard wants to play is clear. Two number 10s coming inside with Cash and Targett providing the width.
“It worked. Buendia and Young were getting on the ball while quite narrow and the width came from the full-backs.
“It was entertaining to watch, well structured, well-coached, well drilled.
“I thought they were outstanding. Gerrard might have been a bit disappointed they didn’t go and get that second goal earlier on in the second half.
“But ask the defence and it was probably their easiest game of the season.”
Buendia and Young have featured in all six games of Gerrard’s reign.
They have a combined total of three assists in that time but neither have found the net yet.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has saluted ‘clinical’ Aston Villa after a new January transfer plan is revealed.