Three Chelsea players Steven Gerrard could look to sign as new Aston Villa manager - TCC View
Steven Gerrard is back in the Premier League, but not in the colours we are accustomed to seeing him wearing.
The former Rangers manager has swapped the red of Liverpool for the claret and blue of Aston Villa.
It was announced earlier today that Gerrard would be heading down from Scotland to take over the vacant Villa post left by Dean Smith.
The Villans are currently 16th in the Premier League, following a run of five straight defeats.
Smith once again spent big in the summer, yet his new signings have failed to fully hit the ground running.
Gerrard may already have a few fresh names in mind he might want to add to the squad.
Luckily for the legendary midfielder, the January transfer window is right around the corner.
Before he can dip his toe into the market, Villa host Chelsea on Boxing Day, an age-old enemy of the ex-Liverpool captain.
He might want to foil the Blues by not only beating them on home soil but by raiding their ranks at the next available opportunity.
Here are three Chelsea players we think Gerrard could sign as the Villa boss:
Ross Barkley
One of the more obvious choices would be Ross Barkley.
The 27-year-old is enjoying a mini-renaissance under Thomas Tuchel, although doubts over his Stamford Bridge future still linger.
A switch to Villa would not be the most outlandish decision in the world.
After all, he’s already done it once.
Barkley moved to the West Midlands on loan last season and although started his spell brightly, fell off the rails rather abruptly.
Also, the midfielder and Gerrard have also worked together before during their days as England internationals.
Conor Gallagher
Although Conor Gallagher probably has dreams of reconvening with his Chelsea colleagues, that dream might have to be put on hold once again.
Returning to Cobham would mean battling Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Barkley (maybe) and Saul Niguez – if the Blues extend his loan deal – for a central midfield spot.
Having already proved himself under one iconic Premier League star in Patrick Vieira, who says he couldn’t do it again with Gerrard?
Emerson Palmieri
Agreed, this is a slightly left-field choice (if you pardon the pun) but hear us out.
It is highly unlikely that Emerson Palmieri will re-join Chelsea following his loan stint with Lyon.
Tuchel made it clear by sending him away that Marcos Alonso and Ben Chilwell could cover the left-wing back spot fine on their own.
Of course, Lyon might exercise their right to recruit the Italian permanently.
However, if they don’t, Emerson should be free to the market.
Which is where Gerrard comes in.
Gazing over Villa’s first-team roster and they appear to be pretty short on left-backs.
Matt Targett is the only recognised player to fill that position.
Ashley Young has been deployed there in the past, although his 36-year-old legs are understandably beginning to tire.
So why not freshen up that area of the pitch with a Champions League and European Championship winner?
