Steven Gerrard’s managerial career has so far been a success.
The Liverpool legend led Rangers to their first Scottish league title win in 10 years – and did not lose a game doing so.
He also boasts a decent European record for the Gers, guiding them through the group stages of the Europa League and putting them in a position to do so again this year.
It now seems that Gerrard has his heart set on a new challenge.
He is back in the Premier League with Aston Villa, but how will he fair as a manager in the English top flight?
Why Aston Villa?
Most Fans would have expected Gerrard to remain at Rangers until at least until the end of the season.
The Glasgow side are top of the league and have a chance of making it through to the Europa League knockout stages for the second year in a row, so why would he leave the club now?
It appears that Gerrard is ready for the test of the Premier League, and there is no better project than Aston Villa at the moment at this stage of his managerial career.
Villa have turned into a very ambitious club, backed by owners who share goals of playing at the highest level.
Gerrard is likely to be given funds in the transfer market and stamp his authority on a talented squad.
There are few better Premier League jobs available for Gerrard to prove himself.
Also in Gerrard’s thinking when taking this job could be a potential route into the dugout at Anfield in a few years’ time.
If he wants to succeed at Liverpool as a manager, or even be considered for the job, Premier League experience is a must.
Gerrard has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Villa, and would it surprise anyone to see him take the reins at Liverpool if Jurgen Klopp departs in the next three years?
It is written in the stars for Gerrard to return home – like Lampard did to Chelsea.
Villa are having an underwhelming season to say the least.
The Midlands club find themselves 16thafter 11 games, only two points adrift of the relegation zone.
Their fans believed their club were in for a European push after having spent £180 million the last two summers.
For the club to find themselves in a potential relegation battle was unfathomable to the fans and owners.
This is ultimately what cost Dean Smith his job and forced the board to make a change.
Gerrard will be excited to inherit a squad that includes established international players such as Mings, Watkins and Emi Martinez.
The quality of the Villa squad is likely to be a huge factor in Gerrard’s decision to leave Scotland.
The ex-midfielder will believe he can bring the best out of a squad with a huge amount of potential.
Gerrard’s Style Of Play
At Rangers, Gerrard set-up in 4-3-3 formation with a narrow front three.
This also includes midfield trio that includes one player sitting and two in front.
He will aim to set-up the same at Villa. Gerrard will likely favour a frontline of Ollie Watkins, Danny Ings and Emiliano Buendia.
Summer signing Leon Bailey will also be rotated into the frontline. This attack provides a mix of creativity as well as pace.
McGinn and youngster Ramsey will be vital in Gerrard’s master plan, playing a similar role to Scott Arfield from his time at Rangers.
This includes making attacking runs from midfield and supporting the frontline.
In terms of style of play, Gerrard likes his team to play possession football. Rangers averaged a 67% possession rate last season.
His teams build up play from the defence with the centre backs making attacking, line breaking passes.
They also adopted a high press when not in possession, pressuring defences to make a mistake and retain the ball.
This is a system that will favour the likes of Ings and Watkins. Both work tremendously hard off the ball.
The Villa faithful will be very happy to hear that Gerrard’s playing style is a positive one.
This will get the crowd up of their seats and ignite the famous Villa Park atmosphere.
Here’s how I think Gerrard will lineup against Brighton in his first game in charge.
https://www.buildlineup.com/shared/618d2e81d998900ebe44489b
Can he rescue Villa?
There is a risk when it comes to appointing Gerrard, it is as a step into the unknown for Villa. He is still fairly inexperienced as a manager.
Although he has done well at Rangers, the Scottish league is nowhere near the level of the premier league.
However, Villa fans will be relieved to see a huge name like Gerrard to spearhead the project at their club.
This is instead of the familiar names we are used to seeing struggling clubs appoint, such as Sam Allardyce or Mark Hughes.
Overall, Gerrard is likely to be a success at Villa this season and should keep them in the Premier League comfortably.
A European push is likely to be out of reach for now.
However, that will be Villa’s and Gerrard’s target next season. As long as he is still there.
(Main pic, top, by Biser Todorov under free licence)
