OPINION
Aston Villa bounced back to winning ways on Friday with a 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers to give Dean Smith his second win in charge.
Two consecutive losses had knocked the wind out of Villa’s sails under Smith after an opening win, but a much-improved display against a struggling Bolton side was rewarded with three points.
It was a performance characterised by some slick attacking play from Villa, but also some solid defensive work from James Chester and Axel Tuanzebe.
Chester looks like he has returned to form after a blip, while Tuanzebe continued his recent resurgence since being restored to his natural position at centre-back.
The 20-year-old Manchester United loanee has looked extremely good in recent weeks, and Friday’s stunning display was arguably his best for the club since initially joining in January.
Tuanzebe is a classy player at the back, and that is allied with a supreme natural athletic ability which stands him in good stead to become a top defender.
Obviously he is still young, and Manchester United are well aware of his ability, but Smith must now begin to lay the groundwork to sign the 6ft ace [Transfermarkt] on a permanent deal.
Tuanzebe’s current deal at Manchester United runs out in 2020, meaning that he will either sign an extension or begin to assess his next move in the summer.
His recent success at Villa will give him an appetite for first-team football, something which is highly unlikely to be on offer at Old Trafford at the moment.
Tuanzebe could well become a regular for Villa for years to come if he commits to the club, and Smith must begin work now to convince him of that.
Signing him on a permanent deal is an absolute no-brainer for the Villans, with Tuanzebe easily able to make the step up to the Premier League if and when that happens for the club.