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‘I’ve been really impressed’: Gerrard admits one Aston Villa man has blown him away so far

Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
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NORWICH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Steven Gerrard, Manager of Aston Villa looks on during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Aston Villa at Carrow Road on December 14, 2021 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has admitted being hugely impressed with sporting director Johan Lange in his first few weeks at the club.

Gerrard has told the Birmingham Mail that Villa are ‘very thorough and detailed’ when it comes to recruiting players.

That is down to Lange, who is in charge of Villa’s transfers.

Gerrard praised Lange and his recruitment staff, suggesting that Villa are working tirelessly in terms of identifying players.

Gerrard is also ‘sure’ that vaccination status will come up when Villa target new signings in the January transfer window.

“We are very thorough and detailed in terms of our recruitment process,” said Gerrard. “I’ve been really impressed with Johan and the guys around him in recruitment and scouting in terms of the details and work I’ve seen so far. We look at everything. So I’m sure it will come up.”

What do Gerrard and Lange need to bring to Villa in January?

The major injury to Marvelous Nakamba means Villa may need to go in for another midfielder come January.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 18: Johan Lange, Aston Villa Sporting Director during a press conference at Villa Park on November 18, 2021 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Aston Villa/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Photo by Aston Villa/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images

Yes, Gerrard does have the likes of Jacob Ramsey, John McGinn, Douglas Luiz and Morgan Sanson at his disposal but Nakamba’s injury leaves a big hole.

A holding midfielder like Gerrard’s former Rangers ace Glen Kamara could make sense, if the Ibrox club will deal with their ex-manager.

Another centre back could be a focus amid links to Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, whilst a left back should be on the list.

Matt Targett needs proper competition there, and these are areas that Gerrard and Lange must work to improve for Villa.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 18: (L-R) Johan Lange, Aston Villa Sporting Director, Steven Gerrard, manager of Aston Villa and Christian Purslow, CEO of Aston Villa during a press conference at Villa Park on November 18, 2021 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Aston Villa/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Photo by Aston Villa/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images