Do Aston Villa have a new ‘bomb squad’?

Aston Villa’s infamous ‘bomb squad’ dates back to the Paul Lambert days, where he exiled some of the more senior pros, but then reintroduced them months later when his plan of ‘young and hungry players’ was falling apart.

Currently it looks like there are several first team players that are not getting a look in, which is bizarre given Villa’s current plight. Adama Traore, Juan Angel Crespo and Tiago Llori were three of Villa’s summer signings, then add in Libor Kozak and there is a core of players not being utilised.

Libor Kozak’s road to recovery following his leg break stepped up during pre-season, where he impressed fans with his work rate and goals. However, he has not been seen since and hasn’t made the squad for the first two games of Remi Garde’s tenure. As we continue to struggle in-front of goal, why not have Kozak as an option? Rudy Gestede has been sporadic at best and is still adapting to the Premier League, whilst Kozak has spent more time at Villa and has more games under his belt.

In a previous post, I asked ‘Where is Adama Traore?’, and that question was finally answered by Remi Garde, stating that he isn’t ready yet. I’d beg to differ, when he came on against Crystal Palace, he assisted Villa’s goal and looked a threat throughout. In the league cup (albeit against Notts County), he also looked very promising and at a time where Villa lack ideas going forward, Traore should at least be getting on the bench. There is no doubt he is raw, but he has huge amounts of pace and an air of predictability is exactly what Villa need right now. Jack Grealish has not been performing, and has shown signs that he is struggling with the pressure, Garde could take Grealish out of the firing line, and bring in the exciting Traore.

Our defence continues to be a shambles, and with Jordan Amavi out for the season, the back four needs to be re-shaped. All Villa fans are hoping that Jores Okore can come back from injury and slot in. Villa have two more defenders in the form of the highly rated Tiago Llori as well as the Juan Angel Crespo that are not getting a look in right now. Surely one of these players could help out at left back? Joleon Lescott has been very poor since his move in the summer, and the more youthful Llori should get his chance.

With the Christmas period coming up, its important that Garde keeps all of his squad fit and motivated.