Opportunity beckons for Hogan
By Dean Caffrey
Back after a stomach operation that he underwent right after the recent international break, Scott Hogan really needs a change of luck. Devoid of any confidence and goals this season (apart from three in the Carabao Cup), the general consensus is he won’t be at Aston Villa for too much longer.
I am of the opinion that Hogan hasn’t been helped by his position or lack of one to be more precise. He rarely starts games and has been coming on fleetingly for 15-20 mins and has been tasked with just chasing clearances or been shunted out to the wing which isn’t his position or tactics that he’s comfortable with. I think the criticism he gets for being anonymous in games sometimes is harsh and believe with a run of games will come good.
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I haven’t seen a striker at Villa with better movement than Hogan. He is quick also which makes it easier but he loves to play on the shoulder of defenders and stretch teams. With Jack Grealish playing behind him, Hogan will score goals. I’m not knocking the other players but with Grealish’s eye for a pass and Hogan’s runs they are the two cleverest players in the squad and it’s a shame neither have been used effectively since they’ve both been here.
It’s worth remembering that it was in the Carabao Cup where Hogan has had the most success. He was playing with Callum O’Hare who sat behind him and supplied quick passes. Grealish is a similar player so I can see how Hogan would enjoy linking up with the mercurial midfielder. He looks frustrated to be on the fringes and he’s itching to prove what he can do.
The game at Derby is huge this weekend and I can’t see Bruce starting both players. This is despite both Keinan Davis and Josh Onomah looking fatigued and could do with a break. I can see both or either one coming off the bench. I just hope that Hogan really grasps the chance, because with Kodjia out for months, he could prove to be the talismanic figure to fire Aston Villa to the Premier League if he does grab the opportunity.