Why Aston Villa are right in signing keeper Lovre Kalinic

According to a report by BBC, Championship side Aston Villa have snapped up Lovre K alinic. Currently plying his trade in Belgian club Gent, he will make the move in January.

Interestingly enough, the Croat almost joined the Villans three years ago under the management of Remi Garde.

The swoop is ambitious from the Birmingham-based club, but the need is apparent. Summer signing Orjan Nyland has looked anything but secured in goal. The game which comes into mind was the one against Nottingham Forest, which ended in a mad 5-5 scoreline. The Norwegian conceded five goals from five shots on target and should have done better in three of them.

Hence, if Aston Villa are to stay close to in contention for promotion places, they cannot rely on the 28-year-old. Thus, they have done the right thing by getting Kalinic and should make him the No. 1. It will also help Nyland as some of the high-note finger pointing will go away from his side.

Below, we take a look at the qualities this possible new signing has and what he can bring to Dean Smith’s team:

Lovre Kalinic – A goalkeeping giant

Standing at 201cm, Kalinic is a giant of a goalkeeper who covers the area of the goal without much fuss. That means the shot-stopping part by covering most part of the goal is right up there. He is an athletic individual, indicating the fact that he can dive well and make saves if required.

The 28-year-old’s agility and reflexes in short space of time is fantastic as well. It means he is pretty good when it comes to making point-blank saves. Obviously it is hard to score against him in one on one situations because of the area he can cut out by spreading himself.

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The only slight drawback Kalinic has in his game is the kicking. It can of course improve in due of course of time. He is a fantastic keeper in all the primary aspects, which is good. Hence, Aston Villa have gotten a solid shot-stopper who could help them secure the much-elusive promotion.