Aston Villa: 'Outstanding' £13m star can 'stake his claim' at Villa Park

Aston Villa signing Leander Dendoncker can really stake a claim for a place at Villa Park after the international break, believes BirminghamLive journalist Ashley Preece.

The midfielder joined the Midlands club from Wolves in a £13m deal during the summer transfer window but is yet to cement a spot in Steven Gerrard’s side.

Since signing for Villa, Dendoncker has played five times in the Premier League. However, only two of his outings were starts.

The Belgian, though, could be in for more game time once club football returns following Boubacar Kamara’s injury.

Kamara had started all seven of Villa’s league fixtures before the international break but is now set for a long spell on the sidelines after damaging his knee ligament in the 1-0 win against Southampton.

“It seems like every time we get three points it comes with a cost,” Gerrard said (via BBC Sport) after the game.

While losing Kamara is obviously a blow, it could present Dendoncker with an opportunity to nail down a spot in Villa’s first XI.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT about the 27-year-old, Preece said: “Maybe Dendoncker can really stake his claim. I did like his work at Wolves, Dendoncker, and I think he could be a bit of a shrewd signing and could start more games than not this season. So I’m excited to see Dendoncker.”

Without question. Capable of playing in midfield and defence, the 6 foot 2 Belgian should prove to be a very useful asset to Gerrard.

Over the last year, Dendoncker has ranked in the 92nd percentile for blocks among his positional peers (via FBref), so he is someone who is not afraid to put his body on the line for his side.

He can also be quite effective in possession, with journalist Ryan Baldi describing him as “outstanding” when it comes to