---
title: "Aston Villa must upgrade Nakamba in January"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2020/12/31/aston-villa-must-upgrade-nakamba-in-january/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Crippy Cooke"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2020-12-31T18:09:00Z"
modified: "2020-12-31T18:09:00Z"
---

# Aston Villa must upgrade Nakamba in January

Aston Villa have a strong starting eleven that can hold their own against most Premier League clubs, but one problem Dean Smith has is a lack of depth, particularly in defensive-midfield.

Douglas Luiz and John McGinn would get into most sides, but Marvelous Nakamba is the only [backup](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/aston-villa/ausfallzeiten/verein/405) Smith can call upon from the bench. He’s been [on the periphery](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfer-news-nakamba-19402614) for most of the season after a disappointing debut campaign, so Villa should try to upgrade him when the January transfer window opens.

Last season, the 26-year-old was [dribbled past](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/243249/History/Marvelous-Nakamba) 43 times, committed 26 fouls and lost 55.7% of his aerial duels in 29 league games, so he left a lot to be desired. Signing a player that has the energy levels of McGinn and the combative qualities of Luiz will be difficult though, especially in January.

Clubs are often [reticent selling players](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/01/12/big-clubs-dont-sell-january-have-liverpool-sold-philippe-coutinho/) midway through the season, so Villa could struggle to get one of their top targets and may be resigned to an out-of-favour alternative. If they can sanction a loan player that’s an improvement on Nakamba, Smith has a solid option that can be relied upon in case of injury to his first-choice duo.