Interesting article from mirror website. -
Gerard Houllier's decision to spend a possible £24million on Darren Bent has surprised everyone, but it does actually make complete sense.
While he is an expensive addition, Bent's goal-scoring record should in the short-term end Villa's woes near the foot of the Premier League and safeguard their valuable top-flight status.
In the long-term, Bent's arrival for an initial £18m will enable Houllier to play 4-3-3, which I am told is his masterplan.
Houllier, previously technical director at the French Football Federation, believes the formation, as used by Barcelona, is the future.
Several sides at last year's World Cup, including eventual winners Spain, played 4-3-3 with a lone, mobile frontman.
Bent is well-versed in the role after excelling upfront on his own for both Sunderland and Charlton.
So, it would seem Villa will definitely be keeping star wingers Stewart Downing and Ashley Young this month and asking them to bomb forward either side of Bent.
Houllier also wants Blackpool's talented Charlie Adam to deliver the killer passes from central midfield.
Significantly, Adam, 25, already plays in a 4-3-3 formation and is familiar with the position, so could slot straight in.
New £5million signing Jean Makoun has been bought from Lyon to anchor the midfield.
The narrowness of the midfield three is designed to allow quick full-backs to attack into the space.
That's why Villa got impressive right-back Kyle Walker, who scored on his debut, on loan from Spurs and chased attacking left-back Wayne Bridge.
Gabriel Agbonlahor, who recently penned a new deal, could fill in on either flank if necessary and can deputise for Bent's up front.
The line-up is a tantalising prospect - one that should finally help Houllier shed his cautious image and give Villa fans the free-scoring football they crave.
And it will enable them to utilise some of their best assets properly, such as Downing and Young.
I don't think Young has performed to his potential this season as he has flitted between two positions, either playing wide or behind a striker. Maybe this new role will bring the best out of him.
Should Young leave in the summer - as appears increasingly likely as there will be just 12 months left on his contract by then - Villa have a ready-made replacement in the talented Marc Albrighton.
So, having been tipped off about Villa's new formation, I think the decision of Randy Lerner to spank so much money on Bent seems essential rather than a panic buy.
Bent has been on Villa's radar for two years - since Martin O'Neill first considered signing the star as MirrorFootball reported.
Adam is now the vital next piece in the jigsaw, because his clever passes are key to releasing the likes of Bent, Downing and Young.
I was at The Hawthorns last Saturday to see West Brom beat Blackpool 3-2.
Adam's vision and passing were extremely impressive.
He wasn't the quickest or fittest player on the pitch, but he hit two fabulous long-range passes with either foot to release wingers from near the halfway line.
Adam would certainly make a fine signing, judging by what I saw.
Given his £10,000-a-week salary at Bloomfield Road and the fact just 18 months remain on his contract, I reckon a cheque of around £6m should persuade Ian Holloway to sell, despite his protestations to the contrary.
That may be easier said than done, but a player of Adam's ilk will be essential to getting the best out of Bent.
In the meantime, it will be interesting to see when Houllier deploys the system against Manchester City this weekend.
The other aspect of the formation is that against a top side it can easily turn into a 4-5-1 shape, as it is flexible, so I wouldn't be surprised to see Houllier use it this weekend.
Villa fans may also be interested to know the club have watched new Southampton wonderkid Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 17, several times.
Read more:
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/james-nursey/Revealed-Revealed-How-Darren-Bent-will-fit-into-Gerard-Houllier-s-Aston-Villa-tactical-masterplan-James-Nursey-column