Aston Villa could look to improve their defensive options in the summer

According to journalist Tom Collomosse, Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is ‘definitely’ looking to improve his defensive options ahead of next season.  

Villa have struggled somewhat at the back throughout 2021/22, conceding 36 goals in their 23 Premier League games, more than bottom-placed Burnley, while also keeping just six clean sheets.

Calum Chambers arrived from Arsenal on a three-and-a-half-year deal in the January transfer window in order to add some extra cover and competition along the backline.

The 27-year-old is comfortable at either centre-back or right-back and should provide another experienced option in defence for Gerrard to call upon when needed.

However, he couldn’t prevent the Midlands outfit from suffering their fourth defeat in their last seven fixtures against Newcastle United last time out thanks to a deflected Kieran Trippier free-kick.

It was another game where Villa were perhaps left frustrated with their defensive display as Gerrard’s charges were unable to protect Emi Martinez’s net once again.

But Villa’s new leader may feel the need for further reinforcements in the summer as he looks to match the ambitious owner’s aims.

Gerrard currently has Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Kortney Hause to call upon as his natural centre-back options, with Chambers also capable of playing in that area of the pitch.

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Collomosse believes the 41-year-old could look to bring in a fresh face ahead of next season after seeing his present options struggle during his first few months at the helm.

He told GiveMeSport: “So, they’ve only actually got three specialist centre-halves at the moment, but that’s definitely an area that he’s (Steven Gerrard)