Why Steven Gerrard will be a success at Aston Villa
The new Aston Villa manager is this week assessing the squad and preparing for his first game in charge, when his side welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Villa Park.
What Gerrard achieved at previous club Rangers was remarkable in the three years he was, and last season may have been their most impressive season in recent history, as they beat Celtic to the Scottish league title.
Successive runs to the Europa League round of 16 are also worth a mention, as Villa’s ambitions are similar and they look to achieve European success once again.
With the new boss at the club, we can expect to see a big tactical switch.
Gerrard alternated between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1 formation at Rangers, so it is likely that will continue at Villa.
He demands an attacking, possession based style of football that uses inverted wide forwards and a workhorse midfield to cover the space with John McGinn a perfect fit for this role.
His fullbacks push on high and the team will use diagonal passes to create space.
His centre forward drops deeper for linkup play and he coaches a very high intensity, pressing team, looking to win the ball back quickly and high up the pitch.
Gerrard has been told that the funds are available should he wish to strengthen the squad in January, with owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens (NSWE) prepared for another spending spree.
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Although Rangers were able to satisfy the majority of Gerrard’s transfer wishes, he wasn’t able to attract the calibre of players he wanted, something he will be able to do at Aston Villa.
Gerrard commented “the good thing is I’ve played many years in the league so I know the level, I know the players, I know the styles and I’ve got a really experienced group of coaches as well to be there.”
He added “I believe we can achieve exciting things together” as both himself and Aston Villa are very ambitious about where the club is headed.
The former Liverpool captain was quick to reassure Villa fans that his appointment is a long-term one “It is very unfair to describe this as a stepping stone, you will never hear me say that.
“I am 100 percent committed and so are my staff. There is nothing wrong with having dreams and aspirations.
“I am really honoured and proud to be here. I am all in and I will give this job all it needs to be successful.
With Gerrard’s positive play-style and hunger to win, exciting things are sure to come in the next few seasons for Aston Villa.
