Aston Villa and Steven Gerrard had clearly outlined defence as a problem area during his short reign, with his predecessor having added plenty of attacking talent following the sale of Jack Grealish.

With Lucas Digne having been brought in last January, the summer addition of Diego Carlos was expected to be the final piece of the puzzle before his terrible injury against Everton, where he ruptured his Achilles in just their second game of the season.

This has, therefore, left them light at the back, and despite holding a respectable record of 11 goals conceded in nine games, they will be wishing they had a true defensive stalwart to feature in the Brazilian’s absence.

When looking back in time at famous Villans' centre-backs, there are a few outstanding names. However, to put someone beside the classy Ezri Konsa, the profile of Martin Laursen might just be perfect for Gerrard’s team.

Signed for just £3m from AC Milan back in 2004, even David O’Leary himself could not have expected him to be such a roaring success at Villa Park.

Although injuries may have plagued his time in the Midlands, he still featured 91 times and scored a respectable 11 goals from defence.

He quickly established himself as a composed yet commanding presence at the back, eventually being named captain of the club before leading Villa to a top-six finish and the UEFA Cup knockout stages.

His 2007/08 campaign too was impressive, where he played in all 38 games during the Premier League season before being voted Supporters’ Player of the Year.

Laursen was the quintessential centre-back for the club Villa were at the time and would be the same if he were here today.

Back in 2008, Ashley Young lauded the Denmark international, claiming: “If there was a brick wall there, he would run straight through it.”

It is that kind of steel and dogged defensive work that Gerrard would love to have now, not to mention his leadership skills and prowess from being on the end of set pieces.

He was a monster over a decade ago and would be the perfect Carlos replacement now were he to return in his prime.