Stevie sets sights on midfielder
STEVEN Gerrard has been given the go-ahead to make a midfield signing a priority when the transfer window opens next month.
Marvelous Nakamba is sidelined with a knee injury, the Zimbabwean undergoing successful surgery having been substituted in the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool a couple of weekends ago.
He was a key player for Gerrard, impressing since the Liverpool legend’s move to Villa from Rangers at the start of last month.
Axel Tuanzebe filled in as a defensive midfielder for the final few minutes of the 2-0 win at Norwich last week.
Douglas Luiz can play at the base of a three-man midfield but has shown his position is one side of a traditional defensive midfielder, and the same can be said for
John McGinn.
The Birmingham Post understands Gerrard has been given the green light to bring in a new midfielder due to the importance of that position in his system.
The head coach has asked sporting director Johan Lange to look at possible targets to replace Nakamba, who is expected to be out for up to four months.
Meanwhile, Villa striker Ollie Watkins has told Jacob Ramsey and Carney Chukwuemekay the world is their oyster as the young duo continue to make an impression under Gerrard.
Twenty-year-old Ramsey has been around the first-team picture at Villa Park since last season but seems to have kicked on to another level this campaign.
Ramsey and 18-year-old Chukwuemeka had a hand in the goals in the 2-0 win at Carrow Road last week.
Ramsey opened the scoring with a fine solo effort, which Gerrard suggested should be in the running for goal of the month, while substitute Chukwuemeka became the youngest Villa player to register his first Premier League assist when he set up Watkins for the second in the dying minutes.
And Watkins has commended his young team-mates for their impressive performances under the new boss.
“It’s nice, I remember when I was in that position at their age,” he said. “But I think they are way ahead of me compared to when I was at that age.
“They’ve got the world at their feet really, two top young players. I can’t speak highly enough of them really. Two great people too and if they keep working hard they’ll be unbelievable, so it’s just nice to see them get on the pitch and for showing faith in them to show what they can do.”