With news of Dean Smith’s sacking as Aston Villa head coach, speculation has been rife as to who will be taking over the hot seat at Villa Park.

A distant memory -former captain Jack Grealish celebrates getting Villa back to the Premier League with Dean Smith

Steven Gerrard’s name has already been thrown into the hat. The Liverpool legend and current Rangers manager is often linked with jobs down south, with many fans of his boyhood club seeing him as a potential successor to current gaffer, Jurgen Klopp.

After leading Rangers to their first league title in 10 years, the Liverpudlian’s stock may never be higher than it is currently. While Rangers’ league form has been impressive, it maybe the performances in Europe that has earned Gerrard the most praise. After all, while the league title is a two-horse race in Scotland, Europe provides an opportunity for a manager like Gerrard gets to show he is a cut above the rest- an opportunity he has taken with both hands, reaching the last 16 in each of the last two seasons and still in contention to reach the next stage of this campaign.

As for Aston Villa, the West Midland side currently sit 16th, two points outside the relegation zone. While Villa’s league position could be seen as a red flag for Gerrard and any potential manager, many would argue it is an underperforming side. Having spent almost £90 million on players in the summer, bringing in players such as Leon Bailey, Danny Ings, Emiliano Buendía and Ashley Young on a free, whoever does take over will inherit a strong squad.

While coming into a struggling side would be a challenge for Gerrard, he would have 27 games to prove he is the right man, and if he is to take over the reigns at Anfield one day, he will need to take a risk at some point to show his skill set is able to transfer over to the Premier League.

Dean Smith Sacked: Gerrard Next for Aston Villa?