Aston Villa have had a difficult few years. From relegation to the Championship to their failure to win back promotion in the play-off final, it’s been a far cry from the heights of their heyday.
Even in the darkness, though, the Villains have managed to find light – and that light has come in the form of Dean Smith. He moved to Villa from Brentford earlier this year following the departure of Steve Bruce, and he’s managed to turn things around.
The last few weeks have been like a breath of fresh air at Villa Park, and fans will be hoping that continues all season long.
There is certainly a chance that Villa will move back into the play-off places again this season, but they won’t be able to do it without a fight. Nor will they be able to do it without a few upgrades in January, and one area that certainly needs a bit of strength added to it is in the heart of the defence.
Villa have lacked defensive solidity this season, and whilst defensive master John Terry has come in as Smith’s assistant, not even he has been able to solve their problems completely.
Perhaps, then, Terry should turn to someone that he knows and recommend him to Dean Smith, and current Chelsea captain Gary Cahill could be a sensational coup for the Villains.
Since moving to Chelsea back in 2012, Cahill has enjoyed a storied career filled with success and trophies. He won the Champions League and FA Cup during his debut season, and he’s since bagged a handful of other trophies – including the Premier League. So, experience is something that he has in droves, and that’s exactly what Aston Villa’s young squad lacks.
In terms of what he can do on the field, despite his lack of action, Cahill remains a fantastic player. He’s a consistent performer at the back, and whilst he’s not a player that will pull off cross-field passes or dribble past attackers, he’ll certainly deliver robust and powerful defending in what is perhaps the most competitive league in Europe.
He’s also a natural leader. Having taken over the armband from John Terry himself, Cahill has led Chelsea through a hugely successful period, and that’s no simple feat. He’s been there and done it all, and he’s been the leading voice throughout, and so Cahill comes with a rich history that cannot be ignored.
Chelsea are reportedly open to letting Cahill leave on loan, which should, in theory, make things easier for Villa. Villa Park was buoyed by the arrival of veteran John Terry last season, and Cahill could have even more of an impact. They’ve had their defensive issues this season, but Cahill could help improve things drastically.
Thoughts?
