Aston Villa enter the race for 19-year-old Serie A starlet Aaron Hickey who has been compared to Andy Robertson.
According to The Sun, Aston Villa are interested in Bologna’s Aaron Hickey following his impressive performances for Bologna in Serie A.
The 19-year-old has made eight appearances for the Italians in Serie A this season, scoring two goals. Hickey completed his senior bow at Heart of Midlothian in 2019 before moving abroad in 2020. The decision to switch teams has proven inspired so far. The young Scot can play anywhere along the backline and is establishing himself as a genuine talent.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, and Aston Villa is the latest side to enter the fray. Dean Smith’s side is coming off a busy summer that saw them lose Jack Grealish and bring in a host of new names. The Midlands side have enjoyed mixed luck and find themselves in the 13th spot with just three wins in eight games. Dean Smith has often used a three-person defence with Matt Targett and Matty Cash acting as wingbacks.
Adding Hickey into the mix will give the Villians more options in how they can deploy their backline. The 19-year-old is an excellent dribbler and can be used to kickstart attacks from the back. Add to it his good reading of the game, and he might prove to be an invaluable asset for years to come.
The youngster has shown tremendous maturity for his age and has already been compared to Liverpool star and Scotland skipper Andy Robertson. The Reds star is among the best left-backs in world football, and Hickey will do well to emulate him.
Hickey himself has played down the comparisons and appears to have a level head on his shoulders. It will hold him in good stead in the future. At Bologna, he has the right opportunity to make a name for himself in the game.
The player, too, appears happy in Italy, making it difficult to prise him away from Serie A. Villa are not in urgent need of a wingback and could in fact, hamper Hickey’s chances of regular playtime should a deal go through. Staying put in Italy would be the best solution for the player as he builds his career. As long as he continues to perform, there will be no shortage of suitors who will appear on the horizon.
The likes of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have redefined the role of a full-back in the modern game. That being said, not many top-class wingbacks often come onto the market. Should he develop as intended, Hickey could find himself courted by some of the best sides in the game.
