Sky Sports pundit Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has claimed that he can see Thierry Henry being appointed to succeed Steve Bruce as Aston Villa manager.
The out-of-form Championship club sacked Bruce on Wednesday after winning just one of the last 10 games and Arsenal legend Henry has been widely reported to be among the potential replacements.
Former Chelsea striker Hasselbaink believes that Henry’s experience of working with the Belgium national team will put in him good stead to fill the vacancy at Villa Park.
“I can see it,” said Hasselbaink on Sky Sports Main Event ahead of Leeds United versus Elland Road on Saturday afternoon. “It’s a big step for him but look, Thierry Henry is doing well with at the Belgium national squad working with [Roberto] Martinez, why not?
“There are a few other big names there as well.
“You see [Rui] Faria, who has done so much with Mr. Mourinho, who has earned his stripes as well. You would think that he deserves a chance as well.”
OPINION
Hiring Henry wouldn’t just be following the trend of Premier League legends stepping into management this year. Steven Gerrard has got the gig at Rangers and Frank Lampard was hired at Derby, with both of them doing well, but getting in Henry would surely be more than just getting a ‘big name’. As Hasselbaink mentioned, the former France international has earned a great deal of experience working with the Belgium national team. He has worked with some of the best players in the world in Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, so overseeing the likes of Jack Grealish and Jonathan Kodjia shouldn’t be a challenge for him. Henry played a key role in helping Martinez guide Belgium to their best ever World Cup finish in the summer and he would definitely be a great addition for Aston Villa. Naseef Sawiris and Wes Edens would surely be happy because he is a big name as well who can boost the club’s profile and attract some quality players in January.