(Football news) Steven Gerrard has replaced Dean Smith as the manager of Aston Villa. Gerrard left his post as Ranger's manager which he was doing extremely well in, winning the club’s first Scottish Premiership in 10 years. Villa are currently 16th on the table and have lost their last 5 matches. Apart from his immense experience as a player he comes in after a great spell at Rangers where he exceeded the expectations of fans and experts.

Here are 3 things Steven Gerrard needs to do immediately at Aston Villa in order to succeed:

3) Find a way to Ings and Watkins together

Aston Villa used a huge chunk of the cash they got from the sale of Jack Grealish to get Danny Ings from Southampton. Ollie Watkins had an excellent campaign last season which earned him an England call up. Watkins played primarily through the center but has the ability to play behind the striker or on the left. Dean Smith always played the pair together up front with either wingers or wing backs on either side. Gerrard has to figure out what the best way to play both of them together is. That is if he wants to play them together. The Englishman could also pick one to start and the other to be a super sub. On paper a strike partnership of the two looks perfect; they just need to be surrounded by the right players and systems.

Also read: 3 things Xavi has to fix immediately to succeed at Barcelona

2) Bring the best out of Emiliano Buendia

Aston Villa beat Arsenal for the signature of Emi Buendia. They signed the Argentine from Norwich City for a club record £33 million. Ever since his arrival Buendia hasn't had the impact Villa would've hoped for as he has got only 1 goal and 1 assist in 10 Premier League games this season. Gerrard has to get Buendia function on a more consistent basis. The first step would be to find his best position. Dean Smith preferred to play him as a no. 10 whereas he was primarily a right winger at Norwich. Another summer signing Leon Bailey is also comfortable on the right which may bring some happy headaches to Gerrard.
 
1) Sort out the midfield 

Aston Villa's midfield has been very disappointing this season. John McGinn and Douglas Luiz who had a good last season have been way below par. They have neither given the defence adequate protection nor have they contributed attacking wise. Villa needs to find the perfect combination in the middle of the park and who better to do it than one of the best midfielders in Premier League history. Marvelous Nakamba, Jacob Ramsey and Samuel Chukwueze are the other midfielders at Gerrard's disposal.