Steven Gerrard has been speaking to the media ahead of the Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Brentford on Sunday.
Interestingly, the 41-year-old revealed one player has been delivering some impressive displays in training at Bodymoor Heath.
What’s the story?
Well, Gerrard was speaking about Axel Tuanzebe, a man who has played just eight minutes of Premier League football under the ex-Rangers boss.
That would suggest Gerrard doesn’t have much faith in the 24-year-old, although it sounds as if he’s an admirer of the centre-back regardless.
Gerrard said: “He’s a player that we like very much, and we would like him to stay until the end of the season, at least. I hope that he wants to be a part of this, his leadership and his training levels are really strong.”
Now, this will be music to Tuanzebe’s ears as he looks to get his career back on track.
The man on loan from Manchester United finds himself behind Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa in the first-team, and he may have been feeling demoralised about his situation.
However, words of praise from Gerrard in the media should make him feel slightly better, and could perhaps give him that bit of motivation needed to break into the starting XI.
Axel Tuanzebe needs Aston Villa success
At the age of 24, Tuanzebe isn’t really at the level many expected him to be when he burst onto the scene at Old Trafford as a youngster.
The Bunia-born defender showed great promise, but his career is stalling.
Now, it is imperative that he has a strong second half of the season at Villa Park, or he may find himself stuck in Manchester United’s reserves next term.
Tuanzebe needs to impress this season, or he risks losing another year of his career as he attempts to find a place where he can settle.
Hopefully, Gerrard can help the towering defender to kick on a gear.
If he doesn’t, who knows what the future holds for Tuanzebe.
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