Rangers winger Ryan Kent has the potential to be a 'game changer' for Aston Villa if he joins them this summer, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
The Lowdown: Kent shines for Rangers
The 25-year-old has shone in Scotland since making the move to Ibrox in 2019, scoring 3o goals and registering 49 assists in 175 appearances overall.
Kent has been linked with a return south of the border throughout the summer transfer window, with Villa one of the clubs who are eyeing him up, being deemed in some quarters as the favourites to land him.
it appears that more attacking reinforcements are needed at Villa Park, especially after Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth in their Premier League opener.
The Latest: Kent could be a 'game changer' for Villa
Speaking to GiveMeSport, O'Rourke talked up the idea of Steven Gerrard signing his former player this summer.
The journalist claimed:
"I think we saw the best of Ryan Kent under Steven Gerrard and I’m sure Gerrard would be confident that he would get the best out of Kent as well if he was able to bring them to Aston Villa.
"He’s a potential game changer, Ryan Kent, on his day, a really skilful, tricky winger who can score goals, create goals as well. So I’m sure it’d be a signing that would excite the fans as well with this style of play. I think it could be a win-win situation."
The Verdict: Perfect match
While Kent remains unproven in the Premier League, he has the potential to be an exciting signing for Villa if they move for him, especially with Gerrard knowing him so well after their time together at Rangers.
The ex-Liverpool forward would bring pace, trickery and end product in wide areas, something which has been lacking at Aston Villa. Incredibly, none of their natural wingers scored more than once in the league last season.
Kent would offer something different to a Villa team already under pressure after a dreadful result on Saturday, with the 25-year-old giving the Midlanders a fresh impetus in the final third.
Therefore, he and Villa could be a perfect match, especially under a manager who the player already knows well.