So the departures of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing this summer will of course be a huge blow to Aston villa. The prospect of losing your two best players on the eve of a new season is a hard pill to swallow as any arsenal fan can confirm given the continued speculation regarding Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas. However as most Arsenal fans look to the likes of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey to fill the voids left behind by the stars, Villa too have their own young talent to look forward to. Step forward ‘Super Marc’ Marc Albrighton.
Despite being at the tender age of 22 this is quite a make or break season for Marc, who burst onto the scene last season with some superb displays on the wing. He is similar to Downing in that he does not rely on blistering pace to beat a man but instead possesses a wonderful gift. The ability to simply get the ball in the box! Not only this but he has skill in abundance (see West Brom game in which a poor Marek Cech is on the end of a delightful nutmeg) great close control with the ball at feet and knows where the goal is.
Now I feel the national team needs players like Albrighton in the side, blessed with technical ability rather than just raw pace. The likes of Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright Phillips can be accused of relying on pace. On many occasions I have watched both players beat their man and zip down the line only to fail to find an end product. Marc however reminds me of one David Beckham. Now you may think that I’m exaggerating (or maybe even biased?) but I see him as one of only few English wide men still in the game that has the ability to not only spot a pass but deliver the ball with pinpoint accuracy.
As Villa look to tie up a deal for Wigan’s Charles N’Zogbia, I plead with Alex McLeish not to overlook the potential of young Marc. A potential front three of Bent, N’Zogbia and Albrighton goes a long way to softening the blow of the recent departures.
Written By Tim Baughan.
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
To have a peak at the top SEVEN available FREE TRANSFERS this summer, click here.
Or to have a look at 10 ways a football lover can spend this summer, click here!