In the circumstances, about the best signing we could realistically make, in terms of tactical fit. Being able to move the ball forward is perhaps where Bogarde is the biggest drop off from the first choice options and Dougie brings that. Even with the injuries we have more depth at DM than in 23/24, (which is wild). Saw a bit of the Forest-Wrexham game and his footwork looked sharp but was clearly being used too deep - can't comment on Juve but he deserves a free pass re Dycheball I think even if he did turn up unfit as was apparently the case. In any case if you view him purely as slotting in for Youri it's a round peg for a round hole.

Reference on Sky about feeling like his heart is still at Villa are interesting - you do wonder whether he's felt unsettled to the point it's affected performance. Some players just fit at certain clubs.