Aston Villa must hang on to Tim Iroegbunam after Leander Dendoncker transfer twist
Following the news that Leander Dendoncker looks set to join Napoli [Fabrizio Romano, 23 January], Aston Villa may already have somebody in their ranks to step up and replace him.
A lack of depth in midfield has been exacerbated by Dendoncker’s exit, but 20-year-old Tim Iroegbunam should be called upon to fill his space.
Having spent last season on loan with Queens Park Rangers in the Championship, Iroegbunam quickly became one of their best players, and he should be given a chance in the first team at Villa Park by Unai Emery.
He has been left on the bench for seven of Villa’s last eight games in all competitions and has only played 14 minutes all season in the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, but after Dendoncker’s exit, he could be set for more game time.
However, the midfielder has once again been linked with another move away from Villa Park, with Birmingham Live [22 December] reporting the club would be open to a permanent January deal amid interest from QPR.
While on loan in West London last season, the midfielder stepped up his defensive displays, averaging 2.0 tackles per game, 0.8 interceptions, winning an average of 5.2 duels and drawing 1.3 fouls in the middle of the park. [Sofascore]
Playing in a struggling side that managed to stay up very late in the season had limited the midfielder’s ability to shine on the ball as he averaged a pass accuracy of 79% while completing 0.9 successful dribbles and getting 1.2 shots off per game despite his deep position.
His most recent game for Villa’s U21 side saw him compete in 24 ground duels, of which he won 16, as well as completing two key passes, attempting seven long balls, drawing eight fouls and making four tackles as he put on a showcase of his all-round game and the talent he could show at Villa Park. [Sofascore]
When allowed to thrive in possession, his game can really step up, with a silky elegance to his game which saw him also attempt seven dribbles in the U21 clash, but he is not shy to put in defensive work as he learned at Loftus Road.
The step up in the defensive side of his game would allow him to adequately replace Dendoncker, who was primarily a defensive midfielder when used and standing at 5ft10, he still has the physicality needed to put himself about in the middle of the park.
Playing under Emery’s style could bring that talent back, as his sides are typically more comfortable in possession and happy to press forward rather than sitting back in a deep block as QPR did under Gareth Ainsworth.
Given a lack of depth in midfield, and his performances despite playing for a struggling side in the Championship, Iroegbunam should be given the chance to step up for Emery, and Villa must hang on to him this winter.
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