Aston Villa are enjoying an excellent season, with Steve Bruce’s side riding high in the Championship following a solid start to their second season of second tier action.
Bruce was forced to work carefully in the summer transfer window due to Financial Fair Play restrictions, having spent heavily the season before on several big-money signings.
The former Manchester United captain will be forced to work wonders again in the new year when the winter transfer window opens for business, with Villa in desperate need of a couple of new additions ahead of their push for promotion.
Injuries to Scott Hogan and Jonathan Kodjia will force Bruce into the market for a striker, but another attacking midfield options is also required to provide the squad with a much-needed mid-season boost.
The loan market is the way forward for the cash-strapped boss, and Bruce must target a move for Newcastle’s Rolando Aarons.
The £675k-rated player is a talented young man, and these three attributes should be enough to convince Bruce to move for the player…
Ability on the ball
One criticism of Villa’s midfield this season is that there exists a serious lack of pace, and Aarons would certainly be able to address this issue.
The Jamaican-born former England youth international is a speed demon, and his direct running with terrify defenders at this level.
Aarons has the ability to drop a shoulder and move past defenders with ease, a trait that will open up not only space for himself, but those around him.
His movement will draw players out wide, once again creating more space down the middle for the likes of Glenn Whelan and Conor Hourihane to operate in, and his mere presence on the field will create chances.
Put the ball at the player’s feet, and expect the unexpected.
Goals
Aarons has appeared just four times for Newcastle this season, but scored in starts in both the Carabao Cup and Checkatrade Trophy.
Two substitute appearances in the league harboured solid displays, but Rafa Benitez appears reluctant to give the player the opportunity to shine in the top-flight.
Aarons has proven he can find the net against lower level opposition, and Bruce will certainly be keen to see the player add goals to his midfield.
Finding that yard of space is a key attribute to Aarons’ game, and the player also possesses a fierce ability to hit the target from difference.
When things aren’t going to plan, Bruce can throw the player on with confidence that he will find the back of the net and create chances.
Determination
Aarons joined the academy set-up at Newcastle in 2012, making his senior debut in 2014.
Despite making just eighteen league appearances since, Aarons has refused to leave the club on loan, instead expressing his desire to stay with the Magpies and fight for a place in the first-team.
It may finally be time for the player to try his hand at another club, and Villa must make sure they are the first in line to provide this opportunity.
Aarons also declared his desire to play for England, turning down opportunities to play for Jamaica, providing another example of his determination to play at the highest level.
Bruce will love the desire in this youngster, who will improve dramatically under the tutelage of the experienced boss.
Villa fans, can Aarons make an impact upon your promotion push this season? Have your say below...