In positive news Villa have acted swiftly to address the substandard goalkeeping situation at B6, signing Lovre Kalinic from Gent.
With all faith lost in Orjan Nyland, Mark Bunn’s known limitations and rookie loanee Andre Moreira, a new keeper was a must.
Indeed, if Villa want to be serious about mounting any promotion challenge, a steady, reliable number one is essential.
The fact is that there are already too many games where just one telling save at a crucial juncture would make our outlook very different indeed. With the 6th worst defensive record in the division, we must welcome steps taken to improve a glaring deficiency between the sticks.
All too often Nyland has been beaten easily or in a fashion where you might reasonably expect a more competent ‘keeper to earn their crust. He’s made fine saves you can count on one hand, but the list of howlers negates their worth.
It’s pleasing to see Dean Smith acting upon our obvious weakness and making this our priority; welcome Lovre Kalinic.
LOVRE KALINIC
- Arrives from Belgium’s Gent.
- Fee = £5.4m GBP
- 28 Years Old
- Full Croatian international.
- Villa missed out on Kalinic in 2016 with work permit declined.
Don’t think all faith lost in Nyland at all. By all accounts Kalinic’s old fans say he’s no good with his feet but commanding in the air. Smith likes to play on the ground around the back which Nyland is very good at, but is too nice in the air. They can push each other.