Aston Villa opinion: Why Aston Villa should sign James Tavernier

After back to back defeats against Brentford and West Brom, Aston Villa have overcame their barren run as they are now unbeaten in 5 games. Dean Smith’s side have a slim chance of qualifying for the playoffs this season.

Irrespective of where they end up at the end of the season, Villa need to take a long hard look at the ageing full-back positions. Right-backs Ahmed Elmohamady and Allan Hutton are both well into their 30’s and despite their experience, their age will prove to be a liability next season.

One player who Dean Smith should look at in the summer to add as a right-back is Rangers skipper James Tavernier. The 28-year old would bring in a ton of top-flight experience and has been having a phenomenal season in the Scottish Premier League so far.

Tavernier, having played at right-back all season, arguably has better stats than most wingers in the Premier League. The former Wigan Athletic defender has scored 14 goals and has provided 18 assists in all competitions so far this season.

The Englishman possesses brilliant pace and is incredibly skilled on the ball. His dribbling has tormented the right flank of a number of Scottish sides this season and would be a tremendous addition to Villa’s squad.

One of Tavernier’s biggest skills in his armoury is his fabulous ability on the dead ball. The 28-year-old has scored 8 direct freekicks in his career so far and is also a reliable penalty taker. The Rangers’ skipper also has a hammer of a right foot and he uses it to devastating effect with his shots from distance.

Tavernier is also a terrific crosser of the ball and the pace he produces on his balls into the box makes it incredibly hard to defend. His runs into the box with his pace, power and dribbling skills is at times unstoppable and that combined with his quick decision-making is sure to bring a lot of success on the right flank.

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Conclusion

Aston Villa and Dean Smith will have to address their ageing squad in the summer and the first area he needs to invest in is at right-back. James Tavernier should be one of the first names on his shortlist list in the summer.

Tavernier’s previous stint in England will prove to be an asset and he wouldn’t take any time to adjust to the Premier League’s physical nature. His experience would surely benefit Villa and having been the captain of the Rangers side, he would bring leadership too.