After struggling for game time under immediate passed Aston villa coach Dean Smith, Zimbabwean Midfielder Marvelous Nakamba has found favor and trust from England and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard who was earlier this month appointed as new coach for villa.
Nakamba struggled for game time last season were he played 29 matches in the premier league with only three starts and all appearances coming from the bench.
However, since the appointment of Gerrard, the Zimbabwean has played 90 minutes for the first two matches under the English coach.
He was instrumental in Gerrard first win against Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend where completed a total of 27 passes out of 28 , the most he has ever done in his club career.
In the second match which Gerrard’s villa won 1-2 against Crystal palace, the southern african was handed another starting 11 position to head the midfield which he bossed to help his team win a vital away match in the premier league.
The Zimbabwean once again completed 87% of his total passes after making 33 accurate passes out of 38, more than any one else in that match.
His continued brilliant performance in the premier league has had fans wondering why he never got enough game time under the former coach.
Nakamba has also gotten himself accolades from Gerrard who said , “he is a reliable player, very strong on the ball and good at calming down the tempo of the game.”
He has truly found his form and it’s clear he is slowly but surely cementing his position in the Gerrard led Aston villa.
African Football Greats 