Frederic Guilbert returned to Aston Villa for pre-season training and is making an impression on Steven Gerrard, so much so that Ashley Preece of Birmingham Live said the 27-year-old is putting himself in contention of a starting place.
Matty Cash is Gerrard’s first-choice at right-back, but Guilbert’s impressive loan spell at Racing Strasbourg and positive attitude at Bodymoor Heath could see him beat out Kaine Kesler Hayden for the supporting role.
Guilbert looked on his way out upon his return to the Midlands, as he was deemed surplus to requirements last season and has entered the last year of his deal at Villa Park. But the uncapped Frenchman is now willing to fight for his place, so Gerrard has a decision to make.
Since joining Villa on a four-and-a-half-year deal from SM Caen in 2019, Guilbert has gone on to make 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals with three assists. His featured just three times for Villa since 2020, but it might be sensible for Gerrard to bring Guilbert back into the fold.
That would mean Hayden missing out, but he was loaned out to League One last season, so why not let him join a Championship club to see what he can do?
In other news, Steven Gerrard tipped to drop Ezri Konsa for Diego Carlos next season
