The other day I was reading this article and one sentence really stood out, “It’s more likely that a summer signing goes bad rather than good”. How true is that about Paul Lambert’s signings? Now obviously I think it would be a little harsh to judge Lambert’s 2013 summer signings, but we can evaluate last summer’s transfer business and come up with a percentage. This percentage will represent how many good players Lambert has brought in last summer, and perhaps it can be applicable to our signings this year.
El Ahmadi: Lambert’s first signing, a midfielder that was supposed to bring a bit of creativity into the side. In terms of last season, I thought he was a bit of a disappointment. He’s slowly improving, but if I were to give a yes or no answer. I don’t think he was a good signing, having said that, could a player become a good signing the following season? I believe so, but in face of science I’m going to have to El Ahmadi isn’t a good signing.
Matthew Lowton: A right-back found from League 1 side Sheffield United. Good defensively and also very effective when attacking, I think Lambert got himself a really good buy here. Lowton cost Villa £3 million and I believe it was money well spent. Definitely going to improve in the future as well. Good signing Lambert!
Ron Vlaar: Now I’m going to get many mixed opinions here, but I think Vlaar has been a good signing. In order for that to make sense you have to go back to December. Vlaar was out with an injury, that was the same time period when Aston Villa conceded over 15 goals in 3 games. If Vlaar was in the defence I believe that Aston Villa wouldn’t have concede nearly as many goals. Yes, he has made mistakes but generally he has been the wise head in defence. Since Vlaar only £3 million, I think he was a cheap centre-back that has made an impact.
Jordan Bowery: We haven’t seen much of him, because he’s ‘one for the future’ yet he has the same age as Benteke. I believe Bowery won’t get far and once his contract expires he’ll be released. Not a good signing.
Ashley Westwoood: Quality midfielder who always possess a high passing rate. I’m impressed by Westwood I think he does a good job linking the defence and midfield. I’d like to see him in more attacking positions, but he has done well, especially considering the fact that moved from Crewe Alexandra. Good signing.
Benteke: What a beast, at £7 million he was no doubt Lambert’s best signing. He scored 19 Premier League goals and saved us from relegation. He was involved in nearly 50% of all Villa goals, that includes goals and assists. Brilliant buy by Lambert.
Joe Bennett: Not the best left-back out there, however he does have potential to improve. He is still young and I think he can improve, but last season he really struggled. But I thought he was really good when he went up to join any attacks. Poor signing Lambert
Sylla: A good defensive midfielder that was brought in January in order to beef up the midfield. It worked, I like Sylla’s work rate and he always puts in a good shift, either when defending or attacking. Good signing Lambert!
So there we have it, Lambert has made 5 quality signings and 3 rather disappointing signings. Let’s not forget, those that disappointed can always improve this season, but for scientific purposes I only looked at last season. This means that 60% of Lambert’s signings are quality. It also means that the quote I began this article doesn’t actually apply with Aston Villa, which is good. Applying the same percentage rate with this year’s signings, it’s believed that only 4 players will be good signings. Let’s see if that actually happens.
