AVFC target has one McGinn trait that should be a major red flag for Dean Smith - opinion

According to Marca, Aston Villa are showing an interest in Spanish midfielder Ruben Alcaraz, who could become one of the club’s first signings following promotion.

What’s the word?

Alcaraz had a steady 2018/19 season with La Liga outfit Real Valladolid, appearing on 34 occasions for the Spanish side.

A midfielder by trade, he scored three times and also claimed two assists as his side narrowly escaped relegation, finishing 16th in the division after being promoted last term.

The 28-year-old, therefore, is no stranger to the battle of playing for a side who have just gone up.

That’s something that may have played a part in Aston Villa’s interest. Per Marca, they are in the running to sign him, but face competition from Getafe for his signature.

Alcaraz will need to improve

This would be a left-field signing for Villa if they followed up in their interest and given comments made by their CEO Christian Purslow, would be a questionable addition.

Only this week he hinted in an interview with Radio WM that they couldn’t afford to make mistakes in terms of recruitment.

Given where the club now finds themselves, signing a player of Alcaraz’s calibre should be ignored. If he did arrive though, he’d have to improve in one key area.

In La Liga this term he picked up 13 bookings. At one stage he went into the book in five consecutive matches. His discipline is clearly a cause for concern and given the fact John McGinn was cautioned 14 times himself this campaign, the last thing they need is a player with a similar trait.

If there was one aspect of McGinn’s game you could criticise it would be his discipline so bringing in another midfielder who loves a tackle would represent poor business.

The sheer number of bookings he’s picked up could also mean he misses matches too. It would hardly be ideal for a side whose prime aim will be to stay in the Premier League.

Alcaraz is a tenacious midfielder and although he’s someone who could break up the play, it would be a waste of investment with priorities lying in other areas. This is a signing Dean Smith should be avoiding.

from FootballFanCast.com http://bit.ly/2VZJ3qC