Aston Villa: 'Next level up' - Gerrard wants players he can 'trust' at Villa Park

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is ‘looking for players that he can trust’ when the summer transfer market reopens, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 41-year-old tactician has had a mixed start to life in the Midlands following his arrival from Scottish giants Rangers in November and is widely expected to strengthen his first-team squad ahead of next season.

After winning four of Gerrard’s opening six Premier League games at the helm, Villa went on a run of just one victory in eight fixtures across all competitions.

However, a three-match winning streak eased the building pressure at Villa Park once more before three subsequent losses to West Ham, Arsenal and Wolves raised further questions.

Following the 2-1 deficit to the Hammers, Gerrard stated that he needed more ‘profile’ and ‘stature’ in his side as he aims to take them to the next level.

“We need more profile in our team, stature. Looking at both teams, there’s a few areas where I thought West Ham had a bit more on than us,” revealed the retired England legend.

“I don’t think they did technically, in possession, creativity, but in terms of stature. How they defend, for example set plays and crosses, I think there was a gap today.”

Gerrard wasted no time in making his mark at Villa, bringing in left-back Lucas Digne from Everton for £25 million and Philippe Coutinho on a six-month loan from Barcelona which includes an option to buy.

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And Jones has told GiveMeSport that the Villa boss is on the look out for players who are the ‘next level up’ from the ones he inherited from predecessor Dean Smith.

In an exclusive interview with GMS, he said: “He’s just looking for players that he can