This week Paul Lambert has made a u-turn decision in regards to his bomb squad team, following orders from Lerner (and the board) Lambert has been told to give the likes of Hutton, Bent and N’Zogbia a fair chance next season. That means that the trio will be promoted to first team training and will likely feature next season. But there is a major BUT, Aston Villa are still trying to sell the trio, but following uncertainties surrounding the club Lambert will need to utilise all the players he has in his disposal.
Now, the chances of selling the trio are still low, granted the season just ended. But this could have a positive impact on the side, more experience will be brought into the team and some would also argue, more quality. There were many of us who believed that N’Zogbia could’ve made a difference in the team this season, we’ve been missing a quality attacking midfielder and N’Zogbia could fit that role. He’s not a bad player by any means, but he hasn’t achieved the level of performance that was set whilst in Wigan. Last season N’Zogbia scored 4 goals for the club, two in the Premier League.
Darren Bent on the other hand didn’t have the best time in Fulham, not only was the club relegated but he only managed to score 6 goals in 29 appearances. Only 3 of those goals came in the Premier League, sure Bent is ageing and might not offer much to the team, but I disagree. Yes, if Bent can be sold I’d be ecstatic, that would free up a lot of room in the wage bill, but lets say he stays at the club. Not only does his give Lambert a new option up front, but he’s certainly better than a lot of players we have right now. Especially since the injuries to Kozak and Benteke we’ve been really weak up front, Bent could’ve changed that.
The last ‘big’ name of this list is Alan Hutton, where do we start. I don’t think he’ll get sold this summer, if no one wanted him in the past few seasons why would someone make an offer now. He played well at Mallorca and that was honestly our best chance to sell him, unfortunately Hutton and Mallorca couldn’t agree on a contract. Can Hutton strengthen our team? Maybe… this season the right-back slot has been a bit inconsistent. Lowton certainly didn’t match the standards that he set in the previous season and Bacuna is slowly learning his trade at right-back. Maybe Hutton could make an impact in some of the early Cup Games?
Still, I’d prefer to play these players if they aren’t sold this season. If we’re paying for their wages, why not use them. Yes, there are some better players in the side but perhaps some experience could aid our young squad. And fans don’t know what to expect this summer, I surely don’t. So if we fail to sign many, if not any players this season I’m sure that the return of N’Zogbia, Hutton and Bent will offer something to Villa.
