Is one more signing enough for Villa?

With the somewhat shocking news revealed by Talksport’s Ian Danter last night that Villa are only going to make one more signing after capturing Shay Given, where does that leave the squad? Time to investigate further.

‘Keepers
Shay Given
Brad Guzan
Andy Marshall

Brad Friedel’s departure left a gaping hole in the Villa rearguard, but credit must be given to Alex McLeish who has gone out and plugged the gap with an arguably even better keeper in Shay Given. A refreshing policy for Villa fans, a manager who fills obvious voids, after years of waiting for Martin O’Neill to sign a recognised full back.

Defenders
Stephen Warnock
Ciaran Clark
Richard Dunne
James Collins
Carlos Cuellar
Luke Young
Habib Beye
Eric Lichaj
Nathan Baker

In fairness, Villa look set at the back. There is a solid balance of experienced campaigners and up and coming youngsters with some premiership experience to back them up. While the departure of Carlos Cuellar is possible and Habib Beye’s exit would be popular amongst Villa supporters, you would feel confident if they went in to the season with these options at the back. The core of one of the best defences in the league two years ago is still there and McLeish will get them organised further which can only improve the teams defence this season.

Midfielders
Marc Albrighton
Stephen Ireland
Jean Makoun
Stilian Petrov
Fabian Delph
Barry Bannan
Chris Herd

This is where the problems start. The departures of Ashley Young, Stewart Downing and Nigel Reo-Coker leave a massive dent in midfield options. Charles N’Zogbia is likely to join when the clubs stop bickering over an extra million pounds, and will be an exciting replacement Downing on the left. However, Alex McLeish clearly believes Stephen Ireland can finally justify his salary and apparent 8 million price tag which remains to be seen. He flattered to deceive in his fleeting performances at the start of the season and Villa’s midfield looked lightweight at best with him at the heart. It will take some great man management by McLeish to get the best out of the enigmatic Irishman, but he has clearly been told he has to do so. Ireland clearly has talent but the club will definitely be relying on youngsters Barry Bannan and Fabian Delph to build on the promising signs each showed at times last year. Delph needs to get stronger in the gym to help him become the player his natural talent demands and avoid the niggling injuries which constantly blight his development. Bannan will likely be a very good Premiership player but it is unlikely that he will be able to step in and replace Young’s creativity. McLeish will also need to develop a system to stop his team being overrun in midfield, and I expect a lot of 4-5-1 away from home. That may not be a bad thing though, as their performance against Arsenal on the last away of the season suggested.

Strikers
Darren Bent
Gabriel Agbonlahor
Emile Heskey
Nathan Delfouneso

Villa should be fine up front. Bent was an instant success and looks set to be the club’s first 20-goal a season striker for many years if he can stay injury free. McLeish knows all about Agbonlahor’s undoubted goalscoring talent, as he constantly put his former Birmingham City side to the sword during his reign. If he stays fit and can form a partnership with Bent, the club should have no problem scoring goals. Both staying fit will also mean Emile Heskey doesn’t get on the pitch, which will further boost Villa’s goal threat. Delfouneso has time on his side, but he has said himself he needs to make a greater contribution to the side next season.

Overall

The Villa boards policy of not buying to replace both Young and Downing is risky, but the numbers and talent is there in the squad to do so from within. Alex McLeish should still be able to get the team into the top half and Europa League football is not out of the question. He may have to get the team differently to the 4-2-3-1 often seen under Houllier, but the current squad plus N’Zogbia would be good enough. Villa should also take the cup competitions more seriously under McLeish which means another trip to Wembley is also possible.
While some may see Randy Lerner as being thrifty with his money, he is in fact putting faith in his manager to make use of the squad he has, not fall out with players or farm them out on loan, and believes the club's young players are good enough to provide squad depth. I'm with him. What say you?