Raymond Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/paul-lambert-want-playmaker-who-6469808 Lambert admits the current Villa squad lacks a creative influence to link midfield and attack and insists he has identified potential players. “I call them No.10s,” said Lambert. “I think people that can make things happen are important, because they take a risk and they take a chance. If you can get somebody like that in your side they can make things happen. “There’s nobody like that in our squad right now. “They’re a special type of player, they know how to get into little pockets on the pitch to try and make things happen and that’s something you try and look at. They’re worth their weight in gold if you can get them - and pretty dear. “I think every window, whether you are winning and on top of your game or not getting results, you always try and freshen it up and build it.” Norwich boss Chris Hughton denied Villa had made a bid for Hoolahan, who has 18 months left on his contract, and insists the midfielder was left out of the Canaries 1-1 FA Cup draw with Fulham on Saturday because of an unspecified injury. Meanwhile, Defour’s representative, Paul Stefani, confirmed his player is a target for Lambert, saying: “Aston Villa have let it be known that they are interested in Defour. “It is not yet concrete, and it is the same story for other clubs that I can’t name. “Steven is certainly open to joining an attractive club on condition that they offer him more playing time than he has at present. “He’s not unhappy at Porto but he needs to be playing regularly with an eye on the World Cup.” Says Lambert prefers Hoolahan, which terrifies me, but I doubt that deal gets done with Norwich. This Defour thing could actually happen??!?!?!?!!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isa Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 I don't see anyone saying lichaj was great but when we've signed 2 lbs who both struggle at this level I think its fair to question how well we've spent such a limited budget. My theory on this is that with Lichaj we knew we had a player that wasn't good enough. Bennett was highly thought of at Boro IIRC, no idea on Luna as I've never seen him play prior to Villa. I believe Lambert gambled that both Bennett and Luna's ceiling was to be higher than the proven low ceiling with Lichaj and Stevens. It hasn't worked thus far, but if you saw Joe Bennett play at Boro you'd probably agree it would be a punt worth taking.Much in the same vein as people talking up Forest and Derby players today. Well I'm not sure exactly what he saw in Luna at Mallorca to suggest he had a 'higher ceiling' than Lichaj. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troon_villan Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 I believe the interest in Defour is real. If he's second choice to Hoolahan though.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StanBalaban Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 I don't see anyone saying lichaj was great but when we've signed 2 lbs who both struggle at this level I think its fair to question how well we've spent such a limited budget. My theory on this is that with Lichaj we knew we had a player that wasn't good enough. Bennett was highly thought of at Boro IIRC, no idea on Luna as I've never seen him play prior to Villa. I believe Lambert gambled that both Bennett and Luna's ceiling was to be higher than the proven low ceiling with Lichaj and Stevens. It hasn't worked thus far, but if you saw Joe Bennett play at Boro you'd probably agree it would be a punt worth taking. Much in the same vein as people talking up Forest and Derby players today. The funny thing is that technically Bennett is actually a very good player...... well ok...... that might be an overstatement but he's certainly better than most of our players, the problem is he can't defend. But towards the end of last season he certainly look like he was improving. I think he and Luna can and will improve, it's just the fact we can't afford to take risks with defenders like this. Experience at the back is a luxury we have to afford. Unfortunately, the ready-made experienced defenders command much bigger wages than Luna and Bennett combined. I'm sure if Lambert could buy the finished article, instead of potential, he would do. I think Bennett may have more potential than Luna personally, but he would require more cover from his midfield. Both Clyne and Shaw look great for Southampton, but they never have to contend with the opposition coming at them for 70% of the game. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foreveryoung Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 Bennett is quicker than luna and has some skills. Just needed to bulk up looked like he weighed about 6 stone. I think if we bring 2 experinced players in and get Nzog back (sooner rather than later) and get the others i.e Benteke back on form, it wont be such a struggle to stay mid table. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LockStockVilla Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 I believe the interest in Defour is real. If he's second choice to Hoolahan though.......... Completely different players though. I'd really hope it's we are going for both...but alas knowing Villa, we'll get neither Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ginko Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 (edited) I believe the interest in Defour is real. I don't, and I've highlighted why below... Meanwhile, Defour’s representative, Paul Stefani, confirmed his player is a target for Lambert, saying: “Aston Villa have let it be known that they are interested in Defour. “It is not yet concrete, and it is the same story for other clubs that I can’t name. Considering how tight lipped on all our transfers we are, the fact that he can for some reason name us but can't name other clubs, and the fact that he's a football agent who are dirty little liars most of the time, I'd say we weren't interested and couldn't afford him even if we were. I'd happily be proven wrong though, I like him as a player. Edited January 5, 2014 by Ginko Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brumstopdogs Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 Hoolahan He's mediocre but would be better than what we've got but still no where near good enough! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSV Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 (edited) well Kendrick normally denies these stories. He came out and said Coutinho and Belhanda were bullshit. There may be interest? I dont think Defour is an AM though. So maybe he wants Delph Defour and Hoolahan a little bit more advanced. He cant afford Kiyotake until maybe summer and Hoolahan will just be depth/squad rotation. IT really doesnt take much for this side to look good. Next season could be something like Guzan Lowton Okore Vlaar NEW LB Delph Defour Albrighton Gabby Kiyotake Benteke Not a bad side. Defour is a key signing. Kiyotake is gettable in the summer especially if his side get relegated. Defour will be hard to sign now though. Edited January 5, 2014 by KSV 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StanBalaban Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 well Kendrick normally denies these stories. He came out and said Coutinho and Belhanda were bullshit. There may be interest? I dont think Defour is an AM though. So maybe he wants Delph Defour and Hoolahan a little bit more advanced. He cant afford Kiyotake until maybe summer and Hoolahan will just be depth/squad rotation. IT really doesnt take much for this side to look good. Next season could be something like Guzan Lowton Okore Vlaar NEW LB Delph Defour Albrighton Gabby Kiyotake Benteke Not a bad side. Defour is a key signing. Kiyotake is gettable in the summer especially if his side get relegated. Defour will be hard to sign now though. I made the point earlier that we have a tread water squad at the moment. (Just) enough to keep us in the league whilst the high earners are still on the books. As you've pointed out though, it takes a few key purchases to transform the starting XI, which will no doubt transform the style of play too. Players like Tonev, Bowery, Sylla will be allowed to leave and others like Westwood, Bennett, Weimann will be bench players. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isa Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 90/10 - Hoolahan/Defour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyh29 Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 Tbf we've struggled at left back since Alan wright leftI wonder if there is a gypsy curse on that position ??(And anyone that says Bouma will be horse whipped and have their eyes removed with a blunt spoon ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supervillan78 Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 (edited) Can't see Norwich willingly selling Hoolahan to us and surely Defour's too expensive, because of his third party ownership. However it's nice to see Lambert targeting No.10. However I get the impression it will come down to what Randy's willing to spend, rather than who Lambert wants. Edited January 5, 2014 by Supervillan78 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mat Kendrick's Dentist Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 Tbf we've struggled at left back since Alan wright left I wonder if there is a gypsy curse on that position ?? (And anyone that says Bouma will be horse whipped and have their eyes removed with a blunt spoon ) Why the beef with Freddy B?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomh621 Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 I believe the interest in Defour is real. If he's second choice to Hoolahan though.......... Where does it say he's sec on choice to Hoolahan? I just read it and didn't see that anywhere. Do we mean it IMPLIED it? Tbf we've struggled at left back since Alan wright left I wonder if there is a gypsy curse on that position ?? (And anyone that says Bouma will be horse whipped and have their eyes removed with a blunt spoon ) Bou…. m….. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raymond Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 I believe the interest in Defour is real. If he's second choice to Hoolahan though.......... Where does it say he's sec on choice to Hoolahan? I just read it and didn't see that anywhere. Do we mean it IMPLIED it? Tbf we've struggled at left back since Alan wright left I wonder if there is a gypsy curse on that position ?? (And anyone that says Bouma will be horse whipped and have their eyes removed with a blunt spoon ) Bou…. m….. "Hoolahan is believed to be Lambert’s first choice having worked with him at Norwich and the 31-year-old Irish international boasts Premier League experience." 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob182 Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 Defour and Hoolahan play different positions, so it could be the case that they're both Lambert's first choice in their respective positions. I reckon, if we are interested in Defour, it'll only be a loan. It's win/win/win... Lambert gets a decent player, Defour gets games and lastly, Defour doesn't have to join us permanently, and take part in next year's relegation battle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSV Posted January 6, 2014 Share Posted January 6, 2014 HH said that the loan was a player with PL experience? so could it be two permanents and a loan signing of a DM/CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supervillan78 Posted January 6, 2014 Share Posted January 6, 2014 Has HH even confirmed we're after Defour? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troon_villan Posted January 6, 2014 Share Posted January 6, 2014 HH is gone. He won't be doing any more confirming of anything sadly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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