Aston Villa’s Orjan Nyland has been told he needs to adapt by Steve Bruce following a string of mistakes from the goalkeeper.

After failure to lure Sam Johnstone back to Villa Park in the summer, Villa’s attention turned to Nyland, with the goalkeeper signed to become Bruce’s first choice for the 2018/19 campaign.

However, despite some good saves, Nyland has been at fault for a number of goals already this season, with his performance in the 4-1 defeat to Sheffield United leaving a lot to be desired.

The 27-year-old was beaten at his near post by and Oliver Norwood free-kick, with that mistake not his first since arriving at Villa Park.

Discussing his goalkeeper with the Birmingham Mail, Bruce had some strong words: “He knows he has made a mistake, maybe a couple now. He has got to adapt.

“When you are in goal, you have to adapt quicker than most because it is a critical position.”

Bruce’s side won their first two fixtures of the season, but since then have failed to record a victory.

Villa drew with Ipswich Town, Brentford and Reading, before suffering their first defeat of the season on Saturday afternoon against Sheffield United.

Goals from Jack O’Connell, Mark Duffy, Norwood and Billy Sharp fired the Blades into a 4-0 lead, with Anwar El-Ghazi netting a consolation for Villa.

The Verdict  

Nyland has made mistakes, but he isn’t the only Villa player struggling at this moment in time.

Bruce needs to put an arm around him and make sure his head doesn’t go down.

The goalkeeper has made mistakes, but he’s also made some good saves this season, so there is promise there.

How Nyland and the rest Villa’s squad react after the international break is going to be interesting to watch.

Thoughts? Let us know.

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