Bristol City center back Aden Flint is on Steve Bruce’s radar. Flint enjoyed a dominant season when the 6’5″ defender appeared in 53 matches for The Robins.
John Terry is set to join Aston Villa in the coming days. However, that doesn’t necessarily stop Steve Bruce’s interest in Bristol’s Aden Flint.
Flint, 27, is coming off some dominant seasons with The Robins. In 2014/2015, Flint scored 14 League One goals – as a central defender – when Bristol won the title. The following year Flint won the club’s Player of the Year award in 2015/2016.
Last season, Flint accrued an impressive 7.32 WhoScored aggregate in league play. He averaged 6.3 aerials won per match while adding five goals and a further assist from set pieces. Moreover, Flint showed calm resolve as well – evidenced by just four yellow cards in 4,140 minutes of play.
How would Aden Flint fit with Aston Villa? Pretty well, actually, depending on defensive partners and system utilized. He’s not quick by any standards, but to say he’s slow would be a slight exaggeration.
Flint fits better in a 4-back system alongside a tactical center back – one such as James Chester. It seems likely that Villa’s acquisition of John Terry signals an end to the club’s pursuit of Aden Flint.
But, that doesn’t stop other English clubs from pursuing the bruising center back this summer. Fulham, West Brom, and Middlesbrough have been linked to Flint at one point or another this summer.
Next: A formation switch may be coming to Aston Villa
Verdict:
Unless the deal for John Terry miraculously falls through the cracks, Flint is unlikely to join Aston Villa. Things could, however, change – say Tommy Elphick finds a new home and Steve Bruce is determined to play three at the back.
Flint’s a solid defender who could net Bristol City around £4-5 million should the club choose to sell.