RichiBoi11

Don't know much about him but a quick google says he's a defensive midfielder with 1 year left on his contract. Also seems like he's going to Forest, so may have been someone further down on our list of potentials below Sarr, Doucoure etc.

Yeah that's also indicitive of the fact the previous tactics were just 'Get the ball to Jack'. I know not everyone rates him, but I think Luiz could play a very prominant role in a more progressive side that plays through the thirds. People also moan about his passing numbers being low, which I get, but if you pick the ball up deep and the other midfielders run away from you, instead of towards you, he's only ever going to have a one pass option, rather than a give and go etc. Let's also not forget he's not long turned 23, and has played football almost continuously since project restart with virtually no break. Players can burn out or become jaded, it doesn't make them a bad player. Get this guy well rested and with a more progressive mentality in and around him he could easily be one of our most important players.

If he's available for that fee I'd definitely take him, although I doubt Smith wants any more attackers currently.

Don't crush our dreams like that. Can't McKennie become the alternative to Ward Prowse instead?

We were definitely after him last summer so no reason he wouldn't still be on our list, much like how we revisited the deal for Buendia after missing out last summer. He also wants to play in the Premier League so I'm sure Lange could probably convince him to join. I'm unsure what he'd cost, but it'd definitely be less than Ward Prowse. I don't see any logical reason why we wouldn't at least try for him, especially as Smith is repeatedly saying in each window that 'if the right deal becomes available we'll pursue it'. Get this done.

Thanks sir. If you can keep us updated on every player we aren't linked to or make a bid for I'd be grateful.

What have I missed? I don't think I've even seen him being linked anywhere?

I completely agree, that formation brings out the best of all our midfielders. As well as McGinn improving, it also made Nakamba look more comfortable 2nd half against Watford, and with someonbe like Bailey putting those crosses in it should provide a lot of assists for the other two forwards and a midfielder getting up to support the attack. Bin off the 4231 and stop putting square pegs in round holes. I really hope Bailey starts on Saturday.

I wouldn't buy in to the fact it's being reported we aren't in for any more signings, and that's not based on the reliability of the source of that etc, or Deans comments, but purely because it's been confirmed that we have had bids rejected for Ward Prowse and the goalkeeper at Oxford. I know plans change all the time, but the fact is we lodged official bids for a goalie and a central midfielder. If part of our long term strategy for this window was to sign two players in those positions, I don't believe we'd suddenly not bother if the bids for certain targets were rejected. It just doesn't make sense, especially with the midfielder as it's not like an unknown emerged across pre season to make that spot their own. For that alone, it doesn't make any sense for Villa to actually be finished for the summer.

As Harry Kane showed in the lower leagues, just because you aren't prolific in your initial role/spell in the adult game, it doesn't mean you can't become a well rounded striker.

I'd argue we need him AND a combative midfielder like you've mentioned to be honest. It's by far the weakest spot in our team.

Yeah I feel he's going to put square pegs in round holes to break it down to its simplest issue. Our best play for the last 18 months (& 2nd half today) has been playing 433. We need to stick to our strengths. That would involve benching one of the strikers which I don't think he will do. It puts alot of pressure on the new system to work. I really hope if he does that it comes good for him, as we all just want the club to do well, but without new centre mids I can't see either 4231 or 442 being a success.

Agreed, we need to be ruthless with that midfield, like when we went and ousted Heaton to get Martinez. McGinn, Luiz and possibly Sanson (still unknown) are good enough to be in the squad but if we really want to progress only one of them should be starting in a midfield three, and maybe none in a 2. Go big for a holding player and a centre mid. That would transform this team.

Probably because of the lack of intensity or ability around him. Get Ward Prowse in next to him to do the technical work and a real strong holding player behind him and just leave McGinn to support the attack. That's always when he looks his most effective

McGinn is good enough to start in a midfield 3 for me, he showed that 2nd half. But he is nowhere near good enough to play in a 2 and the guy isn't a holding player.

Agreed. I think we need to stick to 433 and we need to be ruthless and add 2 starters in there. A top quality centre mid and a real destroyer. A couple of our existing players are good enough to fight for that third slot between them, but starting 2 or 3 of them per game like we have to currently is why we can't dictate play. Go all out for JWP and a holding player.

Nakamba really suffered as the system first half showed his limitations. When we went 433 he looked much more comfortable. If we are going to play 433 a lot then he should be kept as a squad player. But if Dean wants to persist with 4231 he has to go, he has no business being in any formation where he has to play expansively. McGinn also looked far better in a 433 when he wasn't playing as a holder. Maybe we should stop putting square pegs in round holes

To be fair if Traore had been fully fit and Bailey hadn't only left isolation yesterday he'd have been nowhere near that starting line up.

He was nowhere near match fit. He shouldn't have started.

Graham Taylors family

This is the worst I've seen Villa in a long time. Definitely worse than any performance last season.

He played about half the half on the right, with Young at 10. He has been just as ineffective in both positions. He doesn't look match fit to me

Our left flank and centre mid is getting murdered

The whole team don't look up for it and they also don't look anywhere near match fit. It's going to be a long slow start to the season. Put Bailey on immediately and try to threaten them with some pace.

He tweeted his arrival pics with #LB31 so it is his squad number