Aston Villa brought in seven players, as well as one loan signing, but how have they all fared?
Aston Villa’s manager Steve Bruce
After a torrid start to the season, Aston Villa needed to bring in bodies in January. Steve Bruce needed to start moulding the team to suit his style of play, and so for the second transfer window running, Villa chairman Dr Tony Xia backed his manager.
A number of players arrived, such as Barnsley duo Conor Hourihane and James Bree, Nottingham Forest captain Henri Lansbury, Swansea defender Neil Taylor, FC Basel midfielder Birkir Bjarnason, Brentford striker Scott Hogan and Bury defender Jacob Bedeau.
But who has had the biggest impact since arriving at Villa Park? HITC Sport rates Aston Villa’s new signings out of five.
Jacob Bedeau – 2/5
So far, the former Bury defender is yet to make a first team appearance for the Villans. However, at the age of just 17, Bedeau is said to have a bright future ahead of him and has been impressing those at the club and the academy.
Henri Lansbury – 3/5
Aston Villa’s Henri Lansbury
After an own goal against Newcastle United, Aston Villa fans were starting to wonder if his time out of football during his final month or so at Nottigham Forest had had a detrimental effect on Henri Lansbury, and at times the midfielder has looked a bit off the pace. However, as Bruce’s style and tactics become more regimented in this new group, Lansbury’s performances have begun to improve.
Sam Johnstone (loan) – 5/5
The Manchester United loanee has been in fine form since joining Aston Villa in January, and many Villa fans are hoping to see a deal lined up for the goalkeeper in the summer. Who knows where the Villans might be, had they brought Sam Johnstone to the club in the summer?
Conor Hourihane – 5/5
Aston Villa’s Conor Hourihane celebrates at full time
The former Barnsley captain has been exceptional since joining Villa in January, providing goals, assists and a genuine class to the centre of Villa’s midfield. Hourihane has been one of the major reasons why Villa are starting to turn their form around.
James Bree – 3/5
The former Barnsley defender has failed to nail down a consistent place in Steve Bruce’s side since joining in January, but at such a young age, the full-back is likely to play a big part in Villa’s push for promotion next season.
Scott Hogan – 3/5
Aston Villa’s Scott Hogan receives treatment before being stretchered off
Since joining Villa from Brentford, striker Scott Hogan has been unlucky. After looking lively in his first few games, the striker picked up a nasty injury which has seen him miss out on a lot of precious game and training time. However, after recently returning to the first team, Hogan picked up what Villa fans will be hoping is the first of many goals for the club.
Birkir Bjarnason – 2/5
The Icelandic international has made eight appearances for the Aston Villa first team so far this season, but has yet to really impress Villa supporters, and may need some time to adapt to the speed and ferocity of the Championship.
Neil Taylor – 2/5
Also making eight appearances for the Villans so far, Neil Taylor has struggled at the back for the most part. Often in and out of the team, the former Swansea defender has looked a little lethargic since joining, and may need time to adapt to Bruce’s strict and regimented defensive tactics.
Bristol City’s Aaron Wilbraham and Aston Villa’s Neil Taylor in action
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