Steve Bruce selection policy baffling after winger recruitment surge

Mon 1 October 2018 17:44, UK

Aston Villa were busy toward the end of the transfer window. One area in which they made massive improvements was out wide.

Steve Bruce’s side got their hold on two excellent wide men. Yannick Bolasie and Anwar El Ghazi were both snapped up from Everton and Lille respectively. Considering the former once cost £25 million and the latter has played for the Dutch national team, it was easy to see why both were considered such coups.

However, Bruce has baffled Aston Villa fans in the way he used the players recently.

The Aston Villa manager left both players on the bench for the recent clash with Bristol City. Aston Villa drew the game 1-1 and lacked plenty of creativity going forward. Of course, team selection is one thing, but Bruce simply did not field any wingers.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND �?SEPTEMBER 25 : Yannick Bolasie of Aston Villa in action during a training session at the club’s training ground at Bodymoor Heath on September 25, 2018 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)

Instead, he played striker Jonathan Kodjia and Jack Grealish from the wider positions, both of whom operate better when playing inside.

The result was obvious. Aston Villa lacked width and struggled to find a rhythm.

The reason why it has been met with such a perplexing reaction is that Aston Villa worked hard to bring in the two wide men and now, it seems they are not being used correctly. With Albert Adomah also left on the bench, Villa have a wealth of wide options.

Aston Villa fans will no doubt hope to see a more exciting team selection for their next game.

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Steve Bruce selection policy baffling after winger recruitment surge