Journalist Dean Jones has suggested that Gerrard’s ruthless approach in January could continue in the summer at the expense of fringe players leaving Villa Park.
Gerrard showed in January that he isn’t scared to make bold decisions when he brought in Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho, with Matt Targett being pushed out the door by the Villa boss.
Targett was a regular in the side before Gerrard’s arrival, he featured in all 38 Premier League games last term and in 17 games this season, before his January move to Newcastle. He saw Digne as a better fit for his system, so made the change without hesitation.
Jones told GiveMeSport that he can see more players leave Villa Park in the summer, as Gerrard looks to build his squad with his players.
“I think we could easily see four or five players from that first-team squad leaving in the summer,” Jones reported.
TIF Thoughts on Dean Jones’ comments…
Although it may be seen as harsh to exclude Targett from the squad and sell him to Newcastle, if he wasn’t going to be part of Gerrard’s plans, then it is probably best for both parties that he finds regular football elsewhere.
Gerrard’s system involves attacking full-backs. Last season, whilst Gerrard was Rangers boss, right-back James Tavernier was the top scorer in all competitions with 19 goals, and this brought his side great success as they won the Scottish Premiership. So Gerrard is looking to implement players such as Digne into his side, that suit the style that he wants to play.
Gerrard is reportedly planning big-money moves in the summer for players such as Yves Bissouma for £50m. And if Villa want to have the funds to acquire players like this for that type of money, then they may need to get some of the fringe players off the wage bill.