Aston Villa signing this French star with a top engine would solve a key issue in the squad

Why Aston Villa should go all out to sign Frederic Guilbert

Aston Villa currently sit 10th in the Championship table, five points off the play-off places after winning just one of their last six games. Although they have recovered from a poor start, there is still a long way to go from here on to qualify for the playoffs.

Dean Smith should consider strengthening his squad this month after a third-round FA Cup exit at the hands of Swansea City. Smith’s side undeniably need defenders following a lacklustre performance in the 3-0 defeat to Swansea in the FA Cup.

It would be catastrophic should Smith decide to work with the same squad and ignore bringing in players this month. Aston Vila surely can’t do that as they cannot afford to stay in the Championship for another season after narrowly missing out on promotion last year.

That said, the full-back department needs to be addressed at Villa Park and Smith could do a wonderful job by signing SM Caen defender Frederic Guilbert. Frederic Guilbert is currently in the midst of a brilliant individual season at SM Caen. He has played 17 games in Ligue 1, managing just an assist.

A product of the Caen academy, the 24-year-old has spent his whole career in France, and could well look for a new challenge in the January transfer window. Given Aston Villa’s problems in the full-back area, Frederic Guilbert could certainly be worth a punt.

Alan Hutton has come under intense criticism from the fans this season following his poor performances. The 34-year-old has mostly played at left-back due to Neil Taylor’s absence but hasn’t done any favours to himself nor his team.

With Hutton now 34 and out of contract at the end of the season, the time is ripe for Aston Villa to replace him and Frederic Guilbert fits the bill perfectly.

Versatility is as an important aspect in modern-day football and Guilbert offers exactly that. He is a right-back by trade but is capable enough to play anywhere in the backline. The Frenchman is a flying full-back who loves to get forward and deliver dangerous crosses into the box. Not only is he fantastic going forward but also defensively diligent.

Guilbert is excellent at intercepting the play with his tough-tackling as he never shies away from getting on the referee’s book. Blessed with a top engine, the diminutive Frenchman works extremely hard and makes up for his lack of physicality with his commitment on the pitch.

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All in all, Guilbert could be Hutton’s ideal long-term replacement for Aston Villa. On the other hand, Villa might find an excellent bargain in the flying Frenchman.