da supremo： Aston Villa’s 100% start to the Championship season came to an end on Saturday when they were held to a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town at Portman Road, and they should look to make an ambitious loan move for West Ham United’s Declan Rice.
What’s the word, then?
da doce： Well, while Steve Bruce’s men have made a decent enough start to the campaign with wins against Hull City and Wigan Athletic, they were unable to find a winner against the Tractor Boys at the weekend despite the fact that the hosts played for more than 50 minutes with 10 men following the dismissal of Tayo Edun.
Following the departure of John Terry over the summer and with Tommy Elphick obviously still not in favour under Bruce having started their opening match but not the subsequent two, Mile Jedinak has been partnering James Chester in defence.
However, the Australia international certainly doesn’t look as comfortable there as he does in a defensive midfield position, and it seems apparent that the west Midlands outfit need to prioritise bringing in a new centre-back in while the loan window is still open.
Why should they try for Rice?
The 19-year-old became a key man as a central defender in former West Ham manager David Moyes’ three-at-the-back formation last term, but new boss Manuel Pellegrini seems to believe he is more suited to a defensive midfield role if pre-season and the early stages of the current campaign are anything to go by.
However, the teenager struggled to impress in the 4-0 opening day defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, and he was dropped from the squad altogether for the 2-1 home loss against Bournemouth on Saturday.
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With the likes of Jack Wilshere, Mark Noble and Carlos Sanchez to compete against, a short-term exit could be the best thing for all parties, and it would allow Rice to prove himself as a centre-back and be the player that Aston Villa look to desperately need right if they are to maintain their promotion bid.