The defender has looked excellent since the appointment of the new boss.
Nigel Spink
Aston Villa legend Nigel Spink has been praising the performances of centre-back Nathan Baker since the arrival of Steve Bruce as the club’s new manager.
Former goalkeeper Spink, who spent 19 seasons at Villa Park, believes that the new Villa boss will get the best out of the centre-back – but that he needs a new left-back beside him to help him out.
He is quoted by the Birmingham Mail as stating:
He is a good player, and Steve Bruce will have a massive influence on him.
“He will either take confidence in playing under one of the greatest centre backs this country produced, or he will be in awe of him and won’t perform.
Aston Villa’s Nathan Baker in action against Stoke City’s Geoff Cameron
“It looks like he is getting more out of Nathan Baker and natural left-footed centre-halves are hard to come by.
“If Brucey can keep having an effect on him and help him by getting in a decent left-back in January, they might get something out of him.”
Baker has impressed since Bruce took over at Villa Park from Roberto Di Matteo and is looking like a player that the new manager has taken a shine to.
Aston Villa’s Nathan Baker retrieves the ball from the net after Sheffield Wednesday’s first goal
His performances are certainly helping Villa move up the table, although Spink clearly feels he is not being helped by the full-back beside him.
Aly Cissokho and Jordan Amavi have both flattered to deceive in the position this season and it will surely be an area of the field that Villa will look to improve in the January transfer window.
Baker, who spent last season out on loan at Bristol City, however will simply have to continue focusing on his game to remain in the Aston Villa first-team.
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