Neil Cutler believes Ørjan Nyland has “all the attributes” to be a “top-class goalkeeper” but stressed the importance for him to continue working hard on the minute details to improve. Cutler was only appointed Aston Villa’s new goalkeeping coach only days ago, but he hasn’t wasted any time during the transition and already likes what he sees.
Nyland has come under a lot of criticism since his summer move from FC Ingolstadt, but the 28-year-old remained first-choice between the sticks under former manager Steve Bruce and with new boss Dean Smith. Cutler was asked for his thoughts on the Norwegian international and was full of praise for the much-maligned shot-stopper.
He said on Aston Villa’s official website: “(Nyland) has got all the attributes to be a top-class goalkeeper. We just need to keep helping him, pushing him, keeping him really positive and work on the real details (of his game). He can mix his distribution styles really well. He’s a big lad, he’s athletic, he’s quick. Just add those details to him and he’ll be flying. He’ll be moving up. And that’s key to moving him forward.”
Nyland has made 14 Championship appearances this season, keeping three clean sheets, two of which have come under Smith. He was brought in over the summer after Sam Johnstone returned to parent club Manchester United and moved on a permanent deal to West Bromwich Albion.
Villa have Mark Bunn and André Moreira providing the back-up between the sticks while Jed Steer is currently out on loan at Charlton Athletic. After struggling early on, Nyland has been improving of late and should benefit from Cutler’s tutelage.
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