Why Marcus Tavernier could be a smart signing for Aston Villa
According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa are keen on signing Middlesbrough winger Marcus Tavernier this month.
Marcus Tavernier, 20, has caught the eye with two goals and two assists for Middlesbrough this season, continuing his development under Jonathan Woodgate. He’s played on both wings and through the middle this season for Woodgate’s side.
The former England under-20 international has 18 months left on his deal at the Riverside and keeping that in mind, Aston Villa must test Boro’s resolve with a cheeky bid.
The January transfer window is an opportunity for Dean Smith and the Aston Villa staff to address the problematic areas of the squad. The Villans spent big after winning promotion to the top-flight last year but things haven’t worked according to the plan.
Smith’s side did start the New Year with a 2-1 victory over Burnley but the win came at the expense of Tom Heaton and Wesley Moraes’ nasty knee injuries, with the goalkeeper and the striker ruled out of the season.
The duo has joined John McGinn on the sidelines, landing Villa two massive blows just at the start of 2020.
Jack Grealish has led the team from the front with six goals and five assists but the Villa skipper needs more support from other forwards. Villa have scored just 27 goals in 21 games and now with Wesley ruled out of the season, Smith desperately needs a prolific goalscorer in his ranks.
Apart from a striker, the Midlands club also needs a wide player to bolster the wide areas, adding competition for Mahmoud Trezeguet, Anwar El Ghazi and Jota.
In that regard, Marcus Tavernier would be a good fit at Villa Park. Tavernier didn’t start the season as first-choice under new boss Woodgate but has quickly established himself as a first-team regular.
Since October, he has started every game and has played a vital role in Middlesbrough’s recent resurgence, where they’ve enjoyed four wins a row, meaning they are just seven points off the play-off spots.
A left-winger by trade, the Leeds-born player can also operate at left-back or as a left-sided midfielder. The 20-year-old is unstoppable when in full steam and he can put his speed to full use when trying to beat the opposition in a footrace. Tavernier has a lethal left foot, which he uses to deliver devilish crosses and also score goals.
What makes the Middlesbrough man a special talent is the fact that he can also pick out a defence-splitting pass. In the video below, one could get a glimpse of Tavernier’s crossing ability from wide areas and finishing skills in front of goal.
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Verdict
Tavernier is an exciting talent with huge potential. At the age of 20, he has a long way to go in his career and Dean Smith could be the right manager to help him realise his true potential.