The start of the Premier League season is edging ever closer, and for the Villa, that means a return to the top-flight after a three-year absence. It has been a long rollercoaster of emotions throughout the seasons in the Championship, but it could be argued that the Villa are now in the strongest place that they have been for many years. The squad looks strong, and the Villa possibly have the best chance of survival out of all the newly promoted teams.
There is already proven Premier League quality in the squad, and a strong summer window so far has only increased the amount of quality that Dean Smith has at his disposal. Smith himself could be a pivotal player in the battle to avoid the drop; as the Brummie has shown all the capabilities throughout his career that could see him at excel at this level. But, how are the Villa shaping up?
Squad Depth
The hopes will be high for the coming season, especially considering how the Villa ended the last season. The defensive cracks that seemed to be the ultimate demise of the Steve Bruce era have been eradicated with the defensive partnership of Tyrone Mings and Axel Tuanzebe, and while it looks increasingly unlikely that the club will tempt Tuanzebe back to the club; the signing of Mings was exactly what the Villa needed.
It would seem that Ezri Konsa was brought in by Smith to cover the loss of Tuanzebe, and it will be interesting to see how the former Brentford man adapts to the Premier League. The arrival of Anwar El Ghazi following his loan spell last season is also smart, and the signing of Jota from Birmingham City offers further depth to that wide position following the departure of Albert Adomah.
Tammy Abraham was a revelation for the Villa last season as he scored 26 goals in 40 appearances so the failure to get another season with the striker will be a blow. However, the Villa have been able to add Wesley from Club Brugge to fill the void left by the Englishman. How he adapts to the Premier League could be crucial in Villa’s hopes. The Villa have been able to keep hold of Jack Grealish and John McGinn, which will immediately be a bonus.
Season Aim
The aim of the first season back in the Premier League must be survival. These aims could be set to change depending on how the Villa start the season and how quickly the new signings adjust to life in the top-flight. Most Villa fans’ will take a 17th placed finish if it was offered to them now, and that is the most realistic ambition. Should the club sustain their Premier League status, then they can continue to grow organically, but it is essential that the status is preserved this season. You would have to think that Grealish will be crucial to these chances and the captain must stay fit for Villa to reach their true potential.
Hopes will be high though, and we all can’t wait for the Premier League season to get underway.
