Alan Hutton: Jan Bednarek should be eased into Aston Villa contention
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton believes that Steven Gerrard will ease Jan Bednarek into proceedings at Aston Villa rather than throwing him straight into his starting eleven.
Bednarek was signed on deadline day and was unable to feature in Villa’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Southampton on Friday evening (16 September) due to his loan agreement.
Hutton has suggested that due to Villa’s good recent performances, the Polish international won’t be thrown straight in at the earliest chance.
“I don’t think he will come in, because of the performance against Manchester City everyone thought it was going to be a cricket score, but it wasn’t and I think he will stick with the same,” Hutton exclusively told Villa News.
“I think Cash went off injured so Ashley Young came in and did really well but you never know with Premier League managers, they do like to switch it up from time to time.
“In defence, it’s important to have continuity and I can see him sticking with the central pair for the foreseeable future and then ease Bednarek into proceedings.”
The 26-year-old now faces another wait until he can make his Villa debut, with the international break set to get underway next week.
His first chance for Gerrard’s side could well come against Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday 2 October, with Villa looking to jump into the top half of the table and go three unbeaten.
In other Aston Villa news, this breakout star of the season so far has to be the first name on Gerrard’s teamsheet against the Saints.