Most Aston Villa fans would accept that this season hasn’t quite gone to plan. Losing Jack Grealish in the summer was always going to affect the team. Last season, Villa finished seven points from a European Conference League spot with 55 points but this season they haven’t come as close.
The team has plenty of resources to get back to its European glory days, and we might just be on the brink of witnessing that again with Gerrard at the helm. You can back the team as a favourite next season or play slot games inspired by the club’s history at the best online casino.
As we prepare for next season, the team might need to get a few new players to strengthen the loops in the team. In that case, let’s look into how the team might fare under Steven Gerrard next season.
Steven Gerrard and his style
We’ve seen how Gerrard has switched up the team’s playing style to a more coherent team that can become formidable once they put away their chances. The team created over 50 chances in the league since Gerrard came to Villa Park. However, they’ve not scored a lot in the league this season.
In that case, you would see that the team has a chance of upgrading their standings in the league next season. And we think Gerrard’s style is suitable enough to carry the team to European spots next season. In that case, we look forward to if he will maintain his style or infuse a new one.
Key Players
Undoubtedly, going into next season, Philip Coutinho would be one of the vital players in the team, and we might even see a team built around him. Other than Coutinho, Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings would be the top players, leading the team at the front. They would be the outlet for goals, and that would help improve the team greatly.
Tyrone Mings would continue to be the leading voice at the backline, and he would remain the number centre-back for the team. Aside from that, we might see Emi Buendia step up and show more of the potential we know he has, which would improve the squad depth. Europe is a big possibility with the key players available throughout next season.
Possible Transfers
We don’t expect much in the transfer window this summer. The team already looks strong under Gerrard. However, if the rumours of Boubacar Kamara are true, then we might get a stronger team next season. He can partner with Mings at the back, giving the team a much better cover.
Fortunately, Kamara is also good as a defensive midfield, making him a great utility player who can slot into different positions whenever a player is missing. However, aside from Kamara, we don’t see any possible transfer, except if the rumours of Young leaving are true, then the team might need to reinforce.
Top competitors
If the team is going to make it into any of the top European spots, different teams would be stumbling blocks. These teams would be an issue, and a major block is West Ham. They have been rejuvenated and have now gone back-to-back European spots. In addition to West Ham, the big six teams are currently occupying the top six positions.
As a result, entering any European spots would mean that Aston Villa should be ready to up their games. Newcastle, after the takeover, also has a say, and we will surely see a stronger team next season. Therefore, the number of teams competing for the top seven spots is plenty going into the new season.
My thoughts
Aston Villa has a good chance to enter the European spots next season. However, the best we think the team can get would be the UEFA Conference League. But, if the team can back Gerrard in the summer, Villa might end up higher than that on the log. And as a result, we will get to watch Aston Villa play in Europe in the 2023-24 season.