Aston Villa tipped to sign ‘new Declan Rice’ after manager’s hint – pundit
Gabby Agbonlahor has tipped Aston Villa to sign a “top, top-class” defensive midfielder in the shape of Declan Rice this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer insisted the 22-year-old made the difference in West Ham’s 2-1 win over Villa on Sunday (13 March).
As quoted by Birmingham Live after the game, Steven Gerrard admitted he was impressed by Rice’s “superb” display.
He added the defeat had shown what his side were missing in terms of “stature” and defensive presence if they want to challenge for the top-six places.
Aston Villa were on a run of three consecutive wins before their trip to West Ham, keeping three clean sheets and scoring nine goals in the process.
“Against Leeds, Aston Villa showed ruthlessness in front of goal, the finishing was very good and they thoroughly deserved that win,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“When you look at the West Ham game, it was a tougher opposition. For me, the only difference in that game was Declan Rice.
“Once Villa sign a top, top-class defensive midfielder for that role that will take them on a lot.
“There wasn’t too much in between the two teams. When you look where West Ham are and what they are fighting for, Aston Villa aren’t far away. It was a very tight game.”
Villa have started with a midfield three of John McGinn, Douglas Luiz and Jacob Ramsey while Marvelous Nakamba is set to return from injury after the international break.
Ramsey is the tallest of Gerrard’s options but he stands at just 5′9″ tall.
In other news, Aston Villa may pay a player ‘£20m’ directly to seal an ‘incredible’ deal.