Ooooooooooooh baby https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1311242553178624000

Here’s the thing about this squad, this club and what neutrals need to know and what Villa fans have been seeing. The moment, the MOMENT Villa escaped relegation last season by the skin of our nose, Dean Smith and the board knew one thing: NO MORE.

The summer, therefore, really

began with not players, but the overall strategy. So it began with Johan Lange, Craig Shakespeare and making sure Jack Grealish stayed. After that, the plan was to strengthen by getting players that fit DS’s tactics. Watkins, Cash, Traoré, Barkley...they all fit a system.

So we’ve seen a small blueprint this season, both in league and cup. The other key component is completion within the squad. DS wants players to earn a place in the starting XI and those who are not in, to prove to him why they should be.

Now listen. It’s still very EARLY and this once again could be a tough season but moderate, early thinking sees this as unlikely because Villa, unlike the past, has focused on 3 key factors:

1. Reset button on vision
2. Strengthen to fit the system
3. Heighten squad competition

Oh, I forgot one other thing. Villa has also AGGRESSIVELY been recruiting for the academy, signing young talent all over the place. Here’s the latest: https://twitter.com/villalamp/status/1311269604241612800