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In an unsurprising development, Villa’s very own missing person Jordan Veretout has left Villa Park on an initial loan to link up with French side
Saint-Etienne. It’s not without some sense of irony that his new clubs acronym should form the word ASS…
Veretout’s move marks the likely end of an incredibly underwhelming career at Aston Villa. The quiet Frenchman, signed on the basis of his creative passing style struggled for game-time in our worst ever midfield.
Quite a feat indeed.
The underlying cause of Veretout’s continued poor form, offset against a brief positive patch under Remi Garde, will likely never be known.
However, it is reasonable to speculate that Jordan’s limited English played a part, even forcing sacked manager Garde to impose a French speaking ban on his counterpart. Indeed, Veretout also spoke (presumably in French..) of his lack of any dialogue with Tim Sherwood during his time at the helm.
Pre-season also suggested the writing was on the wall upon returning to his former club Nantes where the 23 year old “flop” was substituted at half time. There were also consistent rumours of his services being touted around interested European clubs.
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An additional layer of bafflement is caused by the suggestions, albeit unconfirmed, that the midfielder failed to appear at medicals arranged at Marseille or two more which preceded his move to Saint-Etienne.
Utterly bizarre if accurate & a real insight into the individuals mindset:
Whilst there were occasional glimmers suggesting that a decent player lurked within, there were also far too many occasions where one was left wondering if he was even on the pitch.
The Frenchman will join a long list of players who promised so much yet delivered so little on the pitch. The Villa Underground, in an attempt to find some positivity in our relegation season, considered that he might “blossom” after a handful of improved performances.
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Whilst he may certainly reflect on his reported decision to join Villa over Leicester, he hasn’t shown anything to suggest that he has a title winning attributes or attitude whilst in B6
For Aston Villa last season, this legacy will be players signed on the basis of statistics, rather than the obvious attributes required to win football games.
The recruitment of the likes of Mile Jedinak (and company) represents a welcome and logical departure from a failed blueprint, after which it’s difficult to foresee a recovery for figures such as Veretout.
Veretout is currently just a year into a 5 year deal after his £8 million pound move to Villa. The loan deal agreed with Saint-Etienne does not contain a purchase clause.
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