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It truly beggars belief that Jonathan Kodjia has only just completed his first pre-season with Aston Villa. That fact is frankly, absurd.
It might just mean a lot for Kodjia as well, who after a breakout season in 16/17, was struck down by multiple debilitating injuries.
If Villa need a goalscorer up front, they need it now. One of Villa’s main needs last season was to find goals that weren’t coming from Kodjia. They succeeded as Villa did spread the load throughout the team with Albert Adomah and Conor Hourihane bagging plenty - but the club lacked a serious striking threat until late into the season when Lewis Grabban joined on loan.
So, Villa take one step forwards and two steps back. We know what Kodjia can do and he’ll surely lead the line for Villa this season. But now Villa will need Kodjia to match the goalscoring output of others if they are to succeed.
Luckily, we know he’s capable of doing just that.