Aston Villa opinion: The Villans should target Josip Vukovic

Italian news outlet Calciomercato has reported that Aston Villa are keen on a move for Maritimo midfielder Josip Vukovic. The 26-year-old has been one of the club’s standout players this season, and Villa believe that he has done enough to warrant a move to the club.

So far, Vukovic has managed to make 22 appearances in all competitions, with 19 in the Liga Nos. It’s his performances in the domestic league that have seen Villa show a keen interest in making a move, as they look for reinforcements.

At the moment, Dean Smith’s side sit in 5^th place with 66 points to their name, and are on course to finish in a promotion play-off spot. However, they are far from comfortable, with 9^th place Hull City only six points behind.

Their current crop of players are more than good enough to play in the Championship under the right manager, but with a few reinforcements, they can turn into title challengers.

Both, Glen Whelan and Mile Jedinak have performed admirably this season but the defensive midfielders are beyond the age of 30 and are closer to retirement, than they are to first-team football.

It emphasises the need for a new defensive midfielder and the club will not go wrong with Vukovic. The 26-year-old isn’t the tallest player in the world but more than makes up for it, with his work rate and guile.

Defensively sound and a solid passer, the Croatian has averaged a consistent 78% passing accuracy through the season, with an average of 30 passes per game. It shows his ability to consistently move the ball across the field, towards the more creative players.

That is something that Aston Villa need, both this season and next season, with John McGinn and Whelan often playing in that role. However, Whelan is coming to the end of his career.

It showcases why and exactly where Josip Vukovic could potentially play for Aston Villa but with Rangers also in the race, that does complicate things (Daily Record).

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Conclusion

Aston Villa need to start offloading the older players and add players like Josip Vukovic, who will help them make the transition.

However, with Steven Gerrard and his Rangers side also in the race, it’s bad news for the Lions. And given the state of their team, Aston Villa have to make sure they win the race for Josip Vukovic’s signature.