The transfer rumour mill is in full swing with Aston Villa being linked with a couple of goalkeepers, but the club already have a more-than-capable No. 1 in the squad.
This time of year is always the same, as clubs look to strengthen their respective squads in an effort to improve on the previous campaign’s league finish. In Aston Villa’s, case there have been many different players rumoured to be potentially joining the club as they return to England’s elite.
I am focusing solely on the goalkeeper position, and specifically, on a man who played as big a part as any in the club going up. Jed Steer’s introduction as number one goalkeeper coincided with a huge up-turn in form, culminating in a record-breaking 10-game winning run, and ultimately: promotion to the Premier League. His presence in goal brought an end to the chaotic chopping and changing of the goalkeeper shirt at Villa this past season, as no less than 5 players manned the position for the team (Mark Bunn, Ørjan Nyland, Lovre Kalinic, André Moreira all featured in parts of the campaign). Steer’s performances allowed him to then keep his place and he brought calmness to the defense that just wasn’t there beforehand.
This is all before the semi-final penalty shootout in the playoffs, where Steer’s two saves in the shootout ensured Villa reached the final.
Two recent transfer links doing the rounds include possible Villa moves for Stoke’s Jack Butland and Cardiff goalkeeper Neil Etheridge. These goalkeepers are of a good quality, capable of playing in the Premier League, as they have already demonstrated. But they are only going to be sold for big money (at least £20 million for either if media reports are to be believed) and it’s a position where Villa are safe and reliable at the moment with Steer present.
The argument is that Jed Steer has never played in the Premier League and that the club would be better off starting the season with a more experienced campaigner who is used to the big league. However, it’s not a stretch to say Steer could prove to be a competent goalkeeper in the Prem if given an opportunity to feature.
Steer’s determination to succeed for the club is evidenced every time he steps out onto the field. His injury problems and lower league loan spells before his recent renaissance for the club have only strengthened his desire to succeed with Aston Villa. Having played a huge role in helping to guide the club back to where they feel they belong, they would be wise in letting Steer man the goal for another while longer.