With the transfer window slamming shut on September 1 at 6pm it is time to reflect on the business done by Tim Sherwood. The media have focused on Villa’s outgoings rather than incomings. Free-scoring striker, Christian Benteke decided to sign for Liverpool; whilst Fabian Delph turned his back on Villa in order to pursue a career at Manchester City. With this in mind, it’s easy to think that we could be in deep trouble this year after losing our two best players. However, manager Tim Sherwood has been pragmatic and creative in his transfer business; something that will assist us heavily this season. Here is a comprehensive guide to every transfer made by Sherwood this summer.
All transfer fees are taken from www.transfermarkt.com
Jordan Ayew – From Lorient – £8.4-million
Ayew has struggled to settle in at Villa Park yet. However, his recent goalscoring record for Lorient means fans should still have reasons to be cheerful ahead of the coming season.
Whilst his older brother may have stole the limelight with his early season form. Jordan Ayew has shown lots of promise in early clashes. A lack of conviction when on the ball has let the Ghanian down so far. Too often Ayew has found himself isolated on the wing and not cutting inside to support the forward line more.
Ayew was on the bench for the home clash with Sunderland. It will be interesting to see how he settles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvsIk0-n4tk
JORDAN AMAVI – OGC NICE – £ 7.7-million
Amavi has lived up to a lot of the Villa faithful’expectations already – having put in a string of solid defensive performances. His marking and tackling ability has been second to none with his ability to handle pressure also very good.
Not only that, the 21-year-old has also been an important catalyst for Villa’s attack down the left wing. With the Villans having so many problems at fullback in recent years, Amavi looks to be refreshingly competent in the role.
It is long overdue for Villa to have overlapping support from the defender, allowing for our wingers to cut inside whilst Amavi delivers crosses that look much better than his previous season in France.
The young player has already showed all the potential he displayed at OGC Nice – keeping the likes of Memphis in check against United.
Amavi looks like he will be worth every penny of the reported £9-million fee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIbp90Tz78o
JORDAN VERETOUT – FROM NANTES – £7-million
A box-to-box midfielder, Veretout has demonstrated his ability to protect the Villa backline but also his ability to push higher up the pitch to support the forward line.
Veretout has expressed some quality ball retention skills, won key duels and played a simple but effective passing game during the time he has been given so far on the pitch.
Whilst the young player may not of tried to replicate his killer balls and defence-splitting passes that built his reputation at Nantes – he does seem like a type of player that will put in a consistent performance week in week out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vyi3BUUoY_o
Idrissa Gueye – FRom lille – £6.3-million
Gana (as he opts to have on his shirt) is a player who’s strongest attributes will never get him on the back pages, however, Gueye has been a competent performer from the outset.
The midfielder has settled well and demonstrated how easily he can disrupt attacking movements from the opposition. The midfield threesome of Westwood, Gana, and Sanchez look like they have played 100 games together they look that comfortable.
Gueye also gives the impression that he is a hard working player, a workhorse who will give his all for the full 90 minutes.
His ability will shine through especially during the bigger games. A man of the match performance against Sunderland has added to the early season optimism from the Villa faithful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXoJUUJGinY
Rudy Gestede – From Blackburn Rovers – £5.95 million
Out of all our signings, Villa made over this summer Gestede was the player who concerned the Villa faithful
Many overestimate or underestimate the Benin striker’s abilities, his goals tally last season was impressive but was it because he had a partnership with Jordan Rhodes that was formidable? With the former-Cardiff man being the replacement for Benteke; the boots to fill are certainly big.
The 26-year old has showed signs of promise so far in a Villa shirt. Gestede scored the winner in the Villans opening day win against Bournemouth
Time will tell how this one fares out, but it is right to say the fans are sceptical given the gap left by Christian Benteke and the limited chances Libor Kozak has had.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T7Sdb3MFp8
