Aston Villa transfer wins and losses: What is left for Steven Gerrard to solve this January?

If there’s one thing you can’t fault Steven Gerrard for during his first transfer window as Aston Villa Head Coach, it’s the effort he’s put in.

A day hasn’t gone by where Villa haven’t at least been linked with a player of some sort across January and with some of the names that have been touted, there’s no wonder that there’s an excitement in the air at Villa Park.

The signing’s of Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne highlighted early doors the calibre of player Villa are not only pursuing but able to land under the reins of the scouser.

And although those were deals that were done early - the work has never really stopped.

Calum Chambers was brought in seemingly out of nowhere in the last week to add depth to the back-line and the grind is ongoing in relation to trying to bring in a new central midfielder.

With less than 48 hours to go, here’s what problems Villa have solved in the window so far and ones that still require answers.

Solved

Arguably defence is an area that was the least of Villa’s worries ahead of January having boasted a solid record since the arrival of Gerrard.

Having said that, the additions of Digne and Chambers now sees them have some fantastic strength in depth.

Matt Targett has been fantastic since his arrival at Villa Park but Digne does seem to be a level up. What the Frenchman’s arrival does do is give Gerrard something he’s preached about since day one - two very capable players in one position.

It’s a very similar story with the arrival of Chambers, though unlike Digne, the former doesn’t seem to have been brought in to be immediately thrown into the eleven.

The former Arsenal centre-back is very much a ‘depth’ signing. He’s able to play both centrally and right-back if required so whilst he may not have the ‘wow’ factor - adding a versatile experienced head to the group that will help bolster the squad’s numbers is far from a negative.

A very busy February awaits Villa and being able to rotate to keep legs fresh will be key.

Elsewhere and there was of course the statement signing of the window, not just for Villa but arguably the entire league - Coutinho.

The Brazilian’s arrival on loan from Barcelona certainly did bring the ‘wow’ factor with it and his assist and goal against Manchester United on his first appearance for the club gave him a debut to remember.

Prior to the little midfielder joining the claret and blue, they had been lacking that creative spark in midfield and though it’s early doors, he certainly seems to have solved that issue.

Unsolved

The big unresolved issue facing Gerrard and his team going into the final day of the window lies in the central area.

It’s no secret that Villa have had bids turned down for Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur this month as well as expressing interest in talented Brighton man Yves Bissouma.

Both those players are dominant holding players, something this team is crying out for.

Marvelous Nakamba is the man within the Villa side that has the most similarities between those players but since his long-term injury that he suffered in December - it’s left a big gap in Gerrard’s midfield.

Douglas Luiz, whom has also been linked with a move away this month, is the man that has been filling in in the number six role and whilst he’s been “doing a job” - it’s evident that it’s a position that he isn’t as comfortable in.

A midfield enforcer could really take this team to the next level because whilst there’s plenty of talent within those central areas for Villa, there’s not really anyone you’d be confident in taking a game by the scruff of the neck in adversity.

According to The Athletic, Bentancur is now completely off the table and valuations between Brighton and Villa over a move for Bissouma are still a way apart.

Kalvin Phillips remains on the radar of the club and could be worth a late bid.

It may be a case of making do now until the summer window but there’s no denying where Villa need strengthening and Gerrard knows it.

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