Former Aston Villa midfielder Andy Townsend has been singing the praises of summer arrival Ross Barkley.
The summer transfer window is far from over at Aston Villa, as Unai Emery and Monchi eye further arrivals.
After securing Champions League football, the duo have been working tirelessly to ensure the squad is at the standard to compete with Europe’s best.
From hot young talents to experienced Premier League players, Emery has made some positive moves so far in the market, with the capture of Ross Barkley certainly being one.
Andy Townsend explains why Ross Barkley will do well at Aston Villa
Barkley’s career was revived last season as the midfielder came to life at Luton Town on his return to the Premier League.
Following a superb campaign with the Hatters, Villa deemed it necessary to strike a deal with Rob Edwards’ side to sign the former loanee.
Ahead of the new season, which commences is less than two weeks, former Villan Andy Townsend has expressed his excitement for Barkley’s journey ahead at Villa Park, via talkSPORT [09:40am 06/08/24].
“Last year Ross played as good a football as I have ever seen him play. I never saw it at Chelsea, I never really saw it that much consistently at Everton.
“But last year for Luton, he was absolutely tremendous, he really was. And if he can play anything like that because he plays with control, he is clever.
“He had good energy around him at Luton last year, there’s something similar to that this year for Villa’s midfield. That bodes very well.”
Townsend highlighted why he believes Barkley will kick on at Villa, with Emery’s free flowing football around the midfield something the 30-year-old could be inspired by.
Barkley will be crucial to Villa this season
The tale of Villa’s transfer window so far has very much been one of rising talent, with all of Emery’s new arrivals being under the age of 25, bar Barkley.
While capturing upcoming stars is a positive thing, the experience and expertise of the Englishman will undoubtedly come of great use to the squad in the upcoming season.
Barkley will be aware of the opportunity he now has under Emery, following a stagnant few years following his move from Everton to Chelsea, which ultimately hindered his progression.
It could be that Villa’s strongest signing of the window is proven to be the cheapest, with the £5m price tag paid for Barkley having all the potential to be a masterclass from Monchi.
