There is undeniably a link that holds Aston Villa and Liverpool together following the appointment of Steven Gerrard at Villa Park. The former Liverpool captain will be looking to use his links with former Reds stars to help transform the Midlands side over the summer, as the Villa have already brought in Philippe Coutinho and are reportedly interested in bringing former Reds ace Luis Suarez back to the Premier League. But, which players have graced both the famous claret and blue of Villa and red of Liverpool throughout their careers?
James Milner
James Milner is regarded as one of the hardest working players in the Premier League. The 36-year-old made his professional debut when he was just 16, and latest become the youngest player to score in the English top-flight for Leeds. Milner moved to Aston Villa on a permanent basis in 2008 after a loan spell with the club. He forced his way back into the England squad during his stay at Villa Park, and was part of the team that enjoyed a run of fine finishes in the Premier League standings.
However, he left the club in 2010 after making 126 appearances for the Midlands club. His next move would take him to the Etihad Stadium, as Milner won two Premier League titles with Manchester City before moving to Anfield on a free transfer. He has been an important member of the Liverpool squad since 2015, and has made 289 appearances and scored 26 goals.
Ray Houghton
The best years of Ray Houghton’s career would be split between spells with Liverpool and Aston Villa. The Scottish midfielder signed for the Reds in 1987 after impressing for Oxford United. Houghton would go on to make over 200 appearances for the Reds during his five-year stay, and he scored 28 goals. His stay at Liverpool would also see him win major silverware. Houghton won two league titles and two FA Cups during his stay at Anfield.
However, in 1992, he would be purchased for a fee of £900,000 by Aston Villa. Ron Atkinson was keen to add the midfielder to the squad, and fought off competition from Chelsea to get his man. Houghton was part of the famous Villa team that won the 1994 League Cup, but he didn’t feature in the final against Manchester United. In total, he played 117 games for the Villa before moving to Crystal Palace in March 1995.
Emile Heskey
Emile Heskey was hot property when Liverpool made their move for the striker in 2000. The Reds made their move after Heskey impressed during a six-year stay at Leicester City. He would quickly form a formidable partnership with Michael Owen at Anfield, as the Red won the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup in the 2000-01 season.
Heskey’s spell at Anfield came to an end in 2004, as he moved to Birmingham City for a fee of £3.5 million. After spells with the Blues and later Wigan Athletic, Heskey would move to Aston Villa in January 2009 for £3.5 million. He hit the ground running on his debut, as he scored in the Premier League against Portsmouth. The striker would remain at Villa until 2012 when he was released after his contract expired. He made 110 appearances for the Midlands club and scored 14 times.
