Trezeguet is living the dream with Villa
Steady Freddie’s impressing predecessor
SUMMER signing Trezeguet has admitted he wanted to join Villa long before he eventually arrived at the club.
The Egyptian international was one of 12 players brought to the Midlands as Dean Smith rebuilt his side ready for their Premier League return.
But the 25-year-old, who scored his second league goal of the season against Wolves, has revealed he dreamt of a move to Villa Park for several years.
Trezeguet discussed the possibility with compatriot and now team-mate Ahmed Elmohamady and said: “I used to speak to Elmo in the national team and I always used to say to him, ‘I want to come to the Premier League and I want to join Aston Villa’.
“It was a team I have always liked. I used to think, ‘I’d like to join that club’. Elmo used to smile but isn’t it amazing that we are both here now? When I used to watch the Premier League in Egypt, I always used to follow
FREDERIC Guilbert has been praised – by one of the men he replaced.
The Villa defender has been in fine form this season, after signing in January, although the Frenchman ended the last campaign at his beloved Caen as he tried, unsuccessfully, to battle against relegation.
Alan Hutton was the man who occupied the right-back slot at Villa Park for much of the promotion season.
The former Scotland international left the club in the summer but has watched his replacement flourish in his fledgling Premier League career.
“He’s done well since he’s come in, good pace which helps out, especially in the Premier League,’’ said Hutton. “You need to be quick,
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IAston Villa. It admired and liked.”
Trezeguet’s long-term ambition has already lived up to all the hype. He is embracing his new surroundings, learning the language and relishing the claret and blue support he is receiving from the fans up and down the country.
“I am loving it! It’s a huge club, a good team and terrific supporters. I think the fans are amazing – always positive,” he added.
“They support us at the game if we win, lose or draw. They are always with us. I always want to make them happy and I hope we do lots of times between now and the end of the season.
“I had heard of Villa Park before I joined and I was looking forward to calling it my home.
“I have especially playing against some of these players, and it’s going to be difficult, you’re going to have difficult times but he’s handled himself well.
“Not only that, he’s got himself forward, he’s been involved in the attacking play as well. He looks very good, he looks like a good player that’s come in and done well. Hopefully, he can build on that, continue to play well and go from strength to strength. I really like him.”
Guilbert is walking a disciplinary tightrope in the coming weeks. After picking up his fourth booking of the season at Wolves, he must now navigate the next seven fixtures without picking up a card, if he is to avoid a one-match ban.
Alfredo Morelos has been told to not been disappointed. It’s incredible. Every game feels like a big stay at Rangers by the manager who helped to kick-start his career.
The 23-year-old striker is being linked with a move to the Premier League in the January transfer window and Villa are among his admirers.
But Morelos has been warned against leaving Ibrox by former Independiente Medellin manager Dario Sierra, who handed him his senior debut at the Colombian club five years ago.
He said: “During his close season, I spoke to Alfredo about his disciplinary problems.
“The amount of red cards he got actually really surprised me because I know him well and he’s actually very calm. He isn’t even bad tempered. game because Villa Park is always full, loud and exciting. It’s a great experience to be part of.”
Villa goalkeeper Jed Steer is facing up to two months on the sidelines after scans revealed the extent of his injury.
Steer was forced off inside eight minutes of the 2-1 defeat at Wolves on Sunday after hurting himself attempting to make a save.
The 27-year-old was making
his
“Alfredo has done so well for Rangers this season. He’s the natural successor to the No.9 jersey for Colombia.
“And also I agree with Steven Gerrard. Why leave a big club like Rangers? He is happy and scoring goals there. If he keeps scoring goals there, he will eventually start scoring for Colombia too. He is a complete player and now he is proving that.”
Villa considered another forward as well as Wesley Moraes during the summer window but opted against doing so with Jonathan Kodjia and Keinan Davis able to provide back-up. But both Kodjia and Davis have been dealing with injury problems and Villa will review the situation when the window re-opens. first Premier League appearance of the season after first-choice stopper Tom Heaton suffered a calf injury.
But he hobbled off with the help of Villa’s medical staff, struggling to put any weight on his right leg. It was feared Steer had ruptured his Achilles but scans have revealed the problem isn’t as serious as that.
Nevertheless, he could be out until the New Year after suffering a calf injury.