Chris Sutton has told BBC Radio 5 Live that he has changed his mind about Aston Villa after previously tipping them for relegation at the start of the season.
The former Premier League striker has now stated he ‘wouldn’t really rule out’ Villa securing a European finish this term.
Dean Smith’s side are sitting fifth in the Premier League table and they have one game, and in some cases, two games in hand on some of the teams in and around them.
Sutton shared that Villa are no longer reliant on boyhood fan and expert ball-carrier, Jack Grealish, as he praised summer signing Bertrand Traore as someone who has caught his eye.
“They were overly reliant on Jack Grealish last season,” said Sutton. “I know he is a superb player. But they aren’t so reliant on him this season. There are other players who are stepping up.
“I like the look of Traore. Really good player. Creative and can score goals. They have options and a stronger squad.
“I didn’t think it was possible, they were my tips for relegation until their transfer business and now I have changed my mind, but I didn’t think it was possible that Villa could finish in a European place. Do you know what? I wouldn’t really rule it out.”
Traore wasn’t an instant starter for Villa when he first arrived, but as he has settled in, he has taken his place in the starting XI.
Whilst the left-footed attacker can get on the ball and beat opposition defenders like a typical winger, he also has qualities a midfielder has in his locker, like playing those one-twos and those cross-field passes.
But Traore will be well aware that if he doesn’t perform then there will be players behind him ready to take his place, which bodes well for Villa in having that quality behind their starting XI.
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