World Cup dreams were crucial factor in joining Aston Villa – Jan Bednarek
Pushing for a spot in Poland’s World Cup squad played a massive role in Jan Bednarek’s decision to join Aston Villa this season, according to Express and star.
With the tournament just two months away, Bednarek is itching to push his way into Steven Gerrard’s first XI and earn himself a spot in Poland’s World Cup squad.
Bednarek saw himself become out of favour in Ralph Hasenhüttl’s Southampton set-up and believed he fared a better chance at achieving his World Cup dreams by joining another Premier League club.
Bednarek has been capped 42 times for Poland and has started throughout their World Cup qualifiers, nevertheless, the defender wanted to be certain he made Poland head coach Czesław Michniewicz’s final cut.
Ultimately, the 26-year-old wanted to be playing Premier League football week in, week out and felt a change of scenery was the best option at this stage in his career.
Convinced by Cash
Bednarek had two destinations on the table on deadline day, a move to London to join David Moyes’ West Ham or a trip further up the country to join compatriot Matty Cash at Villa.
“I spoke with Matty a lot. He told me it is a great club with great fans. I think everything is on the right spot. The most important thing is playing good football. I know Danny Ings from Southampton as well. He is a great team-mate so it was a little bit easier to adapt here.” Said Bednarek.
In the end, it was Bednarek’s World Cup ambitions that swayed his judgment on leaving Saint Mary’s, with the centre-back wanting to be at his very best for his country.
“It’s important for me because we have a World Cup coming up soon, at the end of November.
“Of course, there’s big competition in the team, a lot of good players. But I know what I have to do to be in the starting XI. At this level, there is competition in every team in the league. I am pretty convinced I can get a spot in the starting XI, hopefully, it will happen as soon as possible.”
Bednarek, however, will have to wait even longer to get his chance to play in Gerrard’s starting XI, with the 26-year-old unable to feature against his former team this Friday.
Gerrard spoke of the “vital experience” Bednarek brings with him to Villa Park, something the Villans desperately need after their less than convincing start to the season. [Sky Sports].
The 26-year-old promises to bring with him the basic tools every fan wants their defender to have; he loves to play on the front foot and is willing to do the dirty work for the greater good of the team.
The Poland international has made 133 Premier League appearances across his five years at Southampton; the kind of stability Villa’s defence desperately needs.
In other Aston Villa news, Villa must make move for Conor Gallagher after Thomas Tuchel sacking at Chelsea