Downing signing somewhat inevitable as Villa seem unlikely to look abroad
|
So with Stewart Downing set to sign for Villa some fans may be wishing that they had gone to the bookies to lay a bet on the the nationality of the first summer signing. Surely there was never any doubt was there?
Downing is of course an England international. He will join Gabby Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and Emile Heskey, to name but a few, in the elite club who have lined up for the Three Lions.
Villa are now officially the England feeder club. They even have the away shirt to match with the new strip dedicated to all those Villans who have played for the country.
But is this obsession with patriotism taking over the Claret and Blue and, more importantly, Martin O'Neill.
The Villa boss now appears dead set on signing only players who are currently playing within the British Isles. He only signs men who he knows.
Some will say he picks players on whom he knows he can rely. Others will say he simply doesn't take enough risks.
It has to be said that picking up a mixture of risks and apparent certainties would be the best transfer policy. Butdo Villa actually have any foreign scouts?
O'Neill seems to have rose tinted glasses on where Englishmen are involved and that leads to him shutting off European avenues.
Trademark
Players like James Milner and new boy Stewart Downing are undoubtedly proven Premiership players but because of that they cost double the amount that a talented European footballer with the same ability would.
Villa should be looking to players like Miguel Veloso and Steven Defour, midfielders with Champions League experience obtained at a young age.
These players are not exactly bargain basement but they could eventually bed in to become players of top four quality. The point is you just don't know how good they may become.
Of course they could flop. But how many of Arsenal's young Guns have fallen by the wayside. Arsene Wenger knows a bargain and breeds young foreigners into top class Premier League players.
Every manager has their own policy, their own trademark. But, just as Wenger has become obsessed with young talent shipped in from abroad, O'Neill has become equally stubborn when it comes to purely signing Englishmen and players who have previously played for him.
Wenger has at times paid the price, with many Gunners fans blaming a lack of experience on the lack of a title challenge. Will O'Neill have the same argument levelled at him in regards of Villa's Premier League standing?
Obsession leads to irrationality and it has to be said that signing a player who arrives at the training ground on crutches could be seen as a little crazy.
Downing may become a good player for Villa, but will he ever have the ability to play for a top four side? It looks unlikely.
|
LIVE SCORES