Aston Villa new boy Birkir Bjarnason used to be managed by Roy Hodgson in his younger years.
Former England boss Roy Hodgson is a big fan of Aston Villa new boy Birkir Bjarnason, as per his comments in FourFourTwo.
Hodgson was the manager who gave Bjarnason his first chance in competitive football while he was in charge at Viking FK.
Bjarnason was just 17-years-old at the time, but Hodgson had already spotted his potential.
“Birkir is very young, but has great potential,” the former Fulham and West Brom boss said. “He is athletic, good with the ball and has a positive attitude. He has no significant weaknesses, and excels both in attack and in defence. I am certain that his career will develop in the right direction.”
Bjarnason has developed into a more well known talent, and he has gone on to represent the likes of Sampdoria and, most recently, FC Basel.
Bjarnason has also been part of Hodgson’s demise, as he was integral during Iceland’s win over England at Euro 2016.
Bjarnason’s arrival at Villa has created excitement, and his transfer was officially announced earlier today.
The 28-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half year deal at Villa, to become their fourth signing of the January transfer window – following the arrivals of Sam Johnstone, Henri Lansbury and James Bree.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
