Aston Villa look set to lose captain Fabian Delph as Manchester City are poised to capture the midfielder in an £8m deal.

That sale could leave a big hole in Villa’s midfield, so who could Tim Sherwood turn to in a bid to replace the departing Delph?

Last seasons loanee signing Tom Cleverly has also left the club this summer.

New signing Idrissa Gueye should help but Villa will still be short of numbers in the middle of the park.

One viable option out there could be veteran midfielder Esteban Cambiasso.

Last season Cambiasso turned back the years as he helped keep Leicester City in the English Premier League (EPL).

The thirty-four year old former Champions League winner shone on numerous occasions last term and his constant disciplined displays helped his teammates throughout last term.

Leicester City have a contract offer awaiting the ageing Argentine but the sacking of Nigel Pearson seems to have slowed things down, as Cambiasso waits on news of a successor at the King Power stadium.

Esteban enjoyed a good relationship with Pearson, who stated only mere months ago that the skilled old-timer had really enjoyed his year in England:

“This is an experience for him, it’s a challenge, but it is one that he is very much enjoying.”

So if he really is stalling at Leicester City, then an English side could pounce maybe a team like Villa for instance!

Getting him in on a free will be seen as good news from those that balance the books.

But for Sherwood, Esteban Cambiasso’s experience and attitude could prove invaluable as he continues his rebuilding job at Villa Park.

Losing his captain probably wasn’t in the Villa bosses plans for this up and coming season but Cambiasso could come in and help Gueye dictate things from the engine room.

Last season saw Delph score zero in the league, whilst the veteran Argentine midfielder managed five in the EPL (including a goal in the Foxes famous win over Man Utd).

Even though he is now in his mid-thirties, Cambiasso managed to secure more league appearances than Fabian did at Villa.

During the 2014-15 season, the Leicester City central midfielder relished getting his chance to play in England and was the ultimate professional, in fact he lead by example and showed the hunger of a true champion.

The former Real Madrid and Inter Milan man could have gone to the States or the Middle East for a good pay day that wouldn’t have seen less intense football. But he chose instead to battle in the East Midlands and it ultimately proved to be an excellent choice.

As previously mentioned Cambiasso’s character was exceptional at the King Power stadium and that will have surely impressed Tim Sherwood.

At Aston Villa he could really help Idrissa Gueye settle in. He could marshall in front of the defence and allow Gueye to become more box to box. Although Esteban proved last term it’s not always about the amount of runs forward you make but the ability to time those runs to perfection that can count the most!

His ability to keep a cool head in the heat of a midfield battle could inspire those at Villa, who are still young and learning the game.

Obviously as he is quickly edging toward thirty-five years of age, signing Cambiasso could only be seen as a short-term replacement for Fabian Delph but over the next year he could really improve Villa’s fortunes and give Tim Sherwood some breathing space before bringing in a longterm replacement.

UPDATE: Now looks as though Delph has decided to stay on at Villa. Best decision for me.

Posted on July 11th, 2015 by scott
Filed under: Article