Ex-Aston Villa captain, Micah Richards has opened up about the January transfer window and who his former club should sign.
It has been a top season for Aston Villa so far and with the January transfer window coming up there is an opportunity to improve.
The rise of the Villans under Unai Emery has been clear for all to see and he will want to maintain form over the second half of the season.
With wins over Manchester City and Arsenal in the past week, Villa have cemented their place as third place in the Premier League. This has also now seen them sit comfortably in the top four ahead of sixth-place, Manchester United.
Moving forward, the winter window is approaching and Emery may look to add to their squad for the rest of the campaign.
What has Micah Richards said about Ben Brereton Diaz?
It is no secret that striker is a position in which Villa could do with some additional support. With Ollie Watkins, they have a top-class option who is banging in goals this season. He has scored eight so far this campaign.
Behind him, there is youngster, Jhon Duran who has plenty of potential but is definitely very raw right now. He will be a good option in the future but isn’t a guarantee of anything right now and needs to develop.
With all that being said, a striker option who can also feel comfortable playing out wide might be a clever signing option. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Micah Richards has suggested a name Villa could look at.
The former Villa captain said: “You know who I’m going to go with, someone left field and you guys probably haven’t seen him play, no disrespect because we don’t watch a lot of Championship. We’re always working, so we the highlights but don’t always see the games.
“Someone like a [Ben] Brereton Diaz who was at Blackburn. Someone who’s just below a level, that’s what I’m trying to say.”
Given the form that Villa are in and the need for a rotation option, the Chilean could be ideal. He has made just two starts for Villareal this season and might be looking for a move away this winter.
Given his form in the Championship, there is definitely a player there and is exactly the sort of player Villa need in January. Given his lack of goal involvement this season, he may even be available on a cheaper deal or loan.
