You only have to look at Norwich’s Max Aarons to see the impact a first-rate right-back can have on a team, and one position Villa could look to get stronger in when the summer transfer window rolls around is that very position.
Ahmed Elmohamady and Alan Hutton are both getting on in their years, and the young James Bree has failed to take advantage of opportunities afforded to him in recent months, and was ultimately shipped out to Ipswich on loan.
If Villa do manage to haul themselves through the playoffs and back into the top-flight, a new defender on the perimeter must be a key priority.
However, even if the Midlanders do find themselves in the second-tier for one more season, these five candidates could be instrumental in taking them back to where the club so clearly belongs.
