Gabriel Agbonlahor has suggested on Stadium Astro that Aston Villa manager Dean Smith sent a message to Chelsea-owned Ross Barkley against Leeds United.
Villa got the better of Leeds 1-0 away from home at Elland Road in the Premier League this past Saturday evening.
Attacking midfielder Jack Grealish missed the game with injury, and many would have expected Barkley to start.
The attacking midfielder, signed on loan from Premier League rivals Chelsea in the summer of 2020, has had his own injury problems this season, but he is now fit and available.
However, the 27-year-old former Everton star was an unused substituted, as Villa won the game 1-0.
Former Villa striker Agbonlahor believes that manager Smith sent a message to Barkley by leaving him out against Leeds, but he has said that he would personally like the Villans to make the attacking midfielder’s loan deal permanent in the summer of 2021.
Agbonlahor said on Stadium Astro: “I 100% do. I think he has been an outstanding player. He is still only 25, 26. For me, definitely. But I feel like him being left out today is what he will need.
“He will need that kick up (the backside). He needs that to show that he is not guaranteed a start even though he has come from Chelsea and has had this amazing career.”
Important player for Aston Villa
Barkley’s performances in recent weeks have not been great, and the attacking midfielder will hope to step up his game.
The 27-year-old is an important player for the Villans, and his partnership with Grealish in attacking midfield will be key in the club finishing in the top four of the Premier League table this season.
Barkley has scored three goals and provided one assist in 14 league games for Villa so far this season, according to WhoScored.
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