As Orjan Nyland continues to flop Jed Steer is providing assists at Charlton

By Mathew Nash

Aston Villa drew 5-5 with Nottingham Forest at Villa Park last night in a game where defensive duties were seemingly abandoned. Aston Villa fans will, however, feel they deserved the win and would have got it were it not for goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

He conceded the fifth goal from Forest at his near-post, a shot he was expected to save. Aston Villa fans have got used to being disappointed in the Norwegian. He has struggled to win over fans since his arrival.

The £1 million arrival from Ingolstadt has simply not convinced fans he is good enough to be the number one at Villa Park. Based on his recent form, it is easy to understand why they think that.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 25 : Orjan Nyland of Aston Villa during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Birmingham City at Villa Park on November 25, 2018 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)

Steve Bruce’s signature of Nyland forced another Aston Villa keeper out. Jed Steer started the season as number one but was swiftly loaned to Charlton Athletic after Nyland’s arrival.

The 26-year-old is a very talented keeper, whose career has been blighted by injuries. But he has been a Championship regular, playing 38 games on loan at Huddersfield Town in 2015-16.

So he seemed more than ready to take the step forward. His form at Charlton Athletic is now proving that.

The Addicks have won their last four games in League One and, after fighting his way to a starting position, Steer has been key to their success.

“Obviously we work on that. When he (Steer) comes and collects things, his distribution is unbelievable. At times it is like having an outfield player in the goal.”

– Lee Bowyer on Jed Steer

He put in a superb display Tuesday night, providing a brilliant save as Burton Albion came up short against Lee Bowyer’s men.

In the 3-1 win over Bristol Rovers at the weekend, he even provided an assist. After collecting a corner he pulled a Jordan Pickford, firing a left-footed volley upfield into the path of Jamie Ward. The Northern Ireland international lofted the ball over the keeper to give Charlton a lead.

So whilst Nyland is failing to convince, Steer is pushing Charlton toward a promotion tilt.

With the Birmingham Mail reporting that Aston Villa may be recalling Steer in January, Aston Villa fans must hope that is the case.