Done Deal
Aston Villa have signed Manchester United’s youngster, Axel Tuanzebe, on loan for the rest of the season to beef up their defensive ranks. The Villans have certainly brought a starlet with immense talent to the Villa Park in this transfer window and there is still some time for Steve Bruce to strike some more deals.
Fact File & Attributes
Tuanzebe is one of the upbringings of Manchester United’s commendable youth system that has perennially produced quality players. He has been associated with his current club since 2005 and has made 8 first-team appearances with the senior side of the Red Devils so far. Besides, he has also plied his trade for England Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 sides.
The 20-year-old is physically quite strong and is good in the air. Besides, he is quick and is a decent passer of the ball. Moreover, he is a versatile lad who can operate as a centre-back as well as from either of the fullback slots. Tuanzebe is a genuinely notable young gun and as Jose Mourinho was reluctant to let him leave the Old Trafford permanently, a loan deal has been churned by the two clubs.
Will The Loan Spell Help The Youngster?
The Englishman had garnered merely 1 substitute appearance in the Premier League this season. At this point in his career, Tuanzebe does need to garner regular game time to brush himself. Instead of sitting on the bench or being hardly given the opportunities to thrive with a Premier League club, taking a step down towards a Championship side which is fighting for promotion might prove to be useful for him.
Did Aston Villa Really Needed Him?
Under the tutelage of Bruce, Aston Villa are mounting a serious challenge for promotion to the Premier League. They are placed at the 4th spot in the league table with 50 points to their name after 28 league games. They are within a touching distance from the 2nd spot, which guarantees an automatic promotion, as they are trailing second-placed Derby County by merely 3 points.
James Chester and John Terry have formed an excellent chemistry and camaraderie at the heart of the defence of the Lions, and Bruce is unlikely to trifle with either of them. However, Aston Villa have let Ritchie De Laet leave for Royal Antwerp on loan and given that Alan Hutton has not really excelled this season, Tuanzebe might well bring some freshness into the club and help Bruce in adding depth of his backline.