Five things Yannick Bolasie could bring to Aston Villa

Here are five things he could offer to Villa should he make the move to B6.

Pace and trickery

If there's one thing Yannick Bolasie is known for, it's his skill and speed with the ball at his feet.

In fact, such is his level of skill, the winger even had a trick named after him on the popular video game series of FIFA - after performing the move against Spurs during his days at Crystal Palace.

But he's no one-trick pony either. During his time at Palace he was arguably their most important player going forward - ahead of Wilfried Zaha's emergence as one of the league's most exciting attacking players in recent seasons.

Pacey and a phenomenal dribbler, his skills didn't go unnoticed in the Premier League, eventually earning him a £20m move to Everton in 2016.

Unfortunately, Bolasie has been unable to show off his skills with the Toffees due to injury and falling out of favour.

An eye for creation

Steve Bruce is keen to add to his attacking ranks this summer in an effort to create more chances and score more goals - and Bolasie's record on that front is promising.

He's netted 11 times in the Premier League, which isn't a terrible outlay for a winger, although his finishing could improve.

However, it's his ability to commit defenders and set-up others which is really key about his play, having notched 23 assists in the top flight.

With the likes of Jonathan Kodjia and Scott Hogan, two proven Championship goalscorers, Bolasie could have two Villa strikers licking their lips over chances which could be put on a plate for them.

What's more, The DR Congo international also has a track record of playing in the Championship, scoring five and creating nine goals during his time in the league.

A questionable injury record

This is where things get a little bit murky regarding a potential deal for the winger.

Whilst he's undoubtedly talented and quite the statement signing (if he joins), he also carries a fair bit of baggage in the form of his injury history.

Following his move to Everton from Palace, Bolasie sustained a devastating ACL injury - one which he feared could have ended his career.

“There are times when you don’t know when the end of the road is coming or when you’re going to be back training or start playing. It’s hard to see." he told the Daily Star regarding his injury, which he eventually returned from after more than 12 months on the sidelines.

There are now question marks over whether he's capable of finding the form which saw him secure a move to Goodison Park. Questions Bruce will be hoping are unwarranted.

Options across the front-line

Primarily a left-sided winger, Bolasie is best known for his contributions from that part of the pitch for Palace and Everton.

However, he's capable of playing from the right side or even up-front too.

He has the ability to use both feet, making him a nightmare for opposition full-backs to keep shackled up.

This will no doubt prove a big positive for Villa, who currently rely on Albert Adomah and Andre Green on the wings, whilst Ahmed Elmohamady has filled in when not starting at right-back.

If injury strikes Villa anywhere on the front-line, Bolasie has the skill and nous to take their place, making him a very valuable asset.

Plenty of excitement

There's no doubt about it. Signing Yannick Bolasie, even on-loan, would represent a coup for Aston Villa - especially if it's at Middlesbrough's expense.

Beating a direct rival to a signing will please Bruce and the fans, and doing it with a big name like Bolasie's will further their excitement for a season which was originally feared to be one of Villa's undoing.

Ahead of the takeover from Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, many expected Villa to lose their star names and potentially struggle in the Championship.

Things now, are thankfully much rosier at Villa Park, with excitement over another potential promotion push sure to be backed by the capture of another star signing like Bolasie.

Forget what he can do on the pitch. By signing someone of his quality and style, B6 will be rocking with anticipation.