While a loan exit this month seems highly plausible, there is an argument in favour of Aston Villa boss Unai Emery giving Tim Iroegbunam more opportunities instead.
The 20-year-old appeared set to make his mark in pre-season, but an injury in our first outing at Walsall set him back, and it has been an uphill struggle for him since.
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The long-term absence that followed has led to Iroegbunam featuring for just four minutes as a late substitute in our defeat at Man Utd on Boxing Day, and although he remains firmly in and around the senior squad, it has been tough going for the talented midfielder to get a look in and make an impression.
As per the Telegraph, he has been linked with another loan move this month, and given his positive stint at QPR last season, it could be an important additional step in his development to get regular playing time again and improve his all-round game.
That said, could, and arguably should, he have a bigger role at Villa under Emery?
During his recent absence due to suspension, we saw the negative impact of not having Boubacar Kamara in the side. Our midfield anchor plays such a pivotal role in both phases of the game with his defensive qualities and technical ability, and whether it was John McGinn dropping into the middle or Leander Dendoncker deputising, it wasn’t the same.
Now, that’s not to say an inexperience Iroegbunam could waltz into the Villa XI, fill that role impeccably and our problems are magically solved.
However, we’ve seen how McGinn is more effective and impactful when playing either wider or in a more advanced role, and although he’s a steady presence when asked to step in, we’ve also seen what Dendoncker offers and the limitations that come with the Belgian international.
Villa are light in that department and so unless there’s an incoming planned for the January transfer window, it’s difficult to see Emery approving of an exit to leave himself shorter in that area of the squad.
There’s a big second half of the season to come for Villa given our current position in the Premier League and our ongoing involvement in the Europa Conference League and FA Cup.
Last Saturday’s win over Middlesbrough was arguably a missed opportunity for Emery to give Iroegbunam minutes at least off the bench if not a starting berth, as he always emphasises the importance of his players integrating into the structure and rhythm of how we play.
The only way to see if Iroegbunam is capable of doing a job for us when needed is by giving him playing time, and while the pressure will only increase as the campaign unfolds if we continue to compete at the level we’re at now, it’s surely wise to give him more opportunities sooner rather than later.
Dendoncker boasts experience and the know-how of being an important squad player, but that’s been tried and tested, and it hasn’t necessarily always delivered positive results, and that has an impact on the collective performance.
The ceiling for Iroegbunam is high when you consider his physical attributes along with his ability on the ball and defensive strengths, and he does seem like a good fit for our system and style of play with the added benefit of playing alongside Douglas Luiz.
Time will tell if Emery feels the same or if another loan exit is deemed the appropriate next step. It’s hoped it’s the former and we get to see what Iroegbunam is capable of, before he potentially starts to travel down a path that ultimately leads to a permanent departure with the club cashing in on another top prospect.