Why Aston Villa should plot a summer swoop for Derby’s Jack Marriott
Back in May 2018, The Sun had claimed that Aston Villa were one of the host of clubs interested in signing Jack Marriott, who was then plying his trade for Peterborough United. However, a deal didn’t go through and he joined Derby County in the summer.
Jack Marriott, 25, enjoyed a good debut season at Derby County, scoring seven goals and assisting five times in 33 Championship games. In all, he netted 13 goals in 43 games as the Rams lost 2-1 to Aston Villa in the playoff finals last season under former manager Frank Lampard.
However, the striker has struggled at Pride Park this season, failing to impress under Phillip Cocu. He has managed only two goals and as many assists in 29 league appearances. In fact, Cocu has preferred Chris Martin in the number nine role ahead of Marriott.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are reeling in the relegation zone, having picked up just 25 points from 28 games. They have struggled to match the quality of the other Premier League sides despite signing over a dozen players in the last two transfer windows.
Plus, the Villans’ season has been hit with long-term injuries to key players such as John McGinn, Wesley Moraes and Tom Heaton.
Summer signing Wesley picked up a knee injury against Burnley and has been ruled out for the season, while Jonathan Kodjia joined Qatari side Al-Gharafa in January. Dean Smith managed to bring in strikers Mbwana Samatta and Borja Baston in January, but they haven’t done enough to change Villa’s fortunes.
The attacking unit has managed to score 34 goals so far but that has not been enough to lift Dean Smith’s side from the relegation zone. Except for Jack Grealish, none of them has put in consistent performances. Therefore, Smith should look to add firepower to the attack with some important signings. And Jack Marriott would be a viable option for the Midlands outfit.
Marriott hasn’t had the best of seasons in Derby County colours. It looks like a change is needed for the forward to get back to his previous scoring ways and a move to Villa Park could help him reignite his career under Dean Smith.
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The 25-year-old has a decent record in the lower divisions of English football. He has netted 50 goals in League One and League Two combined. Marriott may not have turned heads in the Championship this term but one cannot deny the fact that he is a quality striker. The Derby striker could be a useful addition to Smith’s squad if he is able to provide them with the much-needed extra goals.
Verdict
At 25, Marriott still has a lot of room for improvement and he can develop his game under the watchful eyes of Smith. Villa have struggled to score goals in the top-flight and therefore, signing a talented striker like Marriott would be smart.
