Aston Villa: Jed Steer might be ready to take the next step
By Phil Newman
24-year old goalkeeper Jed Steer is returning from a devastating achilles rupture. With Aston Villa facing a revolving door in its goalkeeping positions, Steer could claim a regular spot in the eighteen.
Aston Villa have exactly one senior goalkeeper on its books entering this summer. That would be 24-year old ‘keeper Jed Steer.
Steer, and his grand total of four Villa appearances in four years, do not exactly invoke confidence heading into next season. What Steer lacks in experience, he makes up for in raw talent. The Englishman possesses quality size at 6’2″ with solid-average shot stopping capabilities and distribution.
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It’s exactly this potential that may be why Villa have thus far declined to extend Mark Bunn’s contract for a further year.
It may be unlikely the claret and blues bring in two goalkeepers this summer window. With Sam Johnstone (possibly) re-claiming the number one shirt, the competition for the two spot remains up for grabs.
Montenegro youth international Matija Sarkic turns 20 this summer and his highly rated within the club. However, it would be unwise to think Sarkic claims the back-up role immediately in August. Despite his first-team training and handful of bench appearances, Sarkic needs additional seasoning with regular match time.
Goalkeeper is a position that requires utmost agility at the professional level. That is what makes an achilles injury especially worrisome for Jed Steer. Oftentimes achilles injuries spell doom for veteran players in the NBA – where explosiveness is paramount.
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Relying on Jed Steer as the number two goalkeeper is best for the club long-term, as the former Norwich City player has a deal that runs through 2019. Steer’s various successful loan spells and status as a former England youth international suggest their is untapped potential in the 24-year old.
Still, entering the Championship with: Johnstone, Steer, and Sarkic seems risky without a veteran presence.