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Dean Smith should rip up Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa blueprint by terminating Anwar El Ghazi’s loan
When Aston Villa landed Anwar El Ghazi on a season-long loan in the summer, there was plenty of excitement in the West Midlands.
The ex-Ajax winger was moving from Lille and he came with a big reputation, having been renowned as an exciting youngster as he came through the ranks.
But the once-capped Netherlands international has failed to hit the heights expected of a player with his undoubted talent.
With four goals and two assists in 17 games, El Ghazi’s numbers are not bad, but his inconsistency has frustrated Aston Villa fans. Too often, El Ghazi is ineffective and unable to assert his influence on the game.
Aston Villa lost Yannick Bolasie earlier this week when he decided to return to Everton. Â that Andre Moreira is set to be the second player to terminate his loan prematurely.
And Dean Smith should consider sending El Ghazi back to Lille and using those wages to bring in a new player.
Bolasie, El Ghazi and Moreira were all signed by Steve Bruce but they have had mixed success at Villa Park. Smith needs to rip up Bruce’s blueprint and put his own personal stamp on this Villans squad.
Terminating El Ghazi’s loan could be the next step as Bruce changes the direction of this team.