Goalkeeper – Shay Given looks to be one of the bargains of the summer so far, costing a measly 3.5 million. With the man of the match display against Fulham at the weekend, it’s clear to see Shay is glad to be given a starting role in the premier league once again and will hopefully pick up where he left off at Newcastle before being glued to Man City’s bench for the last two seasons. Brad Guzan looks to be an adequate back up despite falling out of favour with previous manager Gerard Houllier.
He is an excellent shot stopper and penalty saver extraordinaire, proven in the Peace Cup and Carling Cup a couple of seasons ago. Beyond that the much travelled Andy Marshall adds some much needed experience. Overall the goalkeeper department should be solid for the foreseeable future. However a slight groin strain picked up by Given is a worry.
Defence – Having to work with what he already has, manager Alex McLeish has decided to return to a tried and tested formula by reinstating forgotten man Stephen Warnock and reverting back to Martin O’Neill’s defensive unit of the 09/10 season. Warnock should count himself especially lucky as last season he was so far out in the cold he was in danger of catching the flu! Reports of verbal attacks on both the club and surrounding area from the player did nothing to endear himself to the fans but a string of promising performances in pre-season will go some way to repairing the damage.
The centre of defence consists of Richard Dunne and James Collins, an interesting double to say the least. One week you would be hard pushed to find a more solid partnership and the next they would give the chuckle brothers a run for their money. However if all 4 players, including Luke Young who is expected to be as steady as ever, can recapture their form and gel again as a unit Villa should have a solid base to work on.
With the sale of Carlos Cuellar to Rangers looking likely to go through, the centre of defence does look a bit thin on the ground, with only youngster Ciaran Clark able to step up with any Premier League experience. Scott Dann would be ideal, however it seems Arsenal and Liverpool look likelier destinations. A deal for Spurs fullback Alan Hutton maybe on the table but only if high earners (such as Habib Beye) can be taken off the wage bill.
Midfield – Taken the biggest hit this summer with the loss of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing yet is still full of talent. The likes of Fabian Delph and Marc Albrighton should finally fulfil their potential and complement the experienced heads of Stiliyan Petrov and Jean Makoun. Say it quietly, but we may yet see the re-emergence of Stephen Ireland if he can keep his mind off vulgar cars and crazy Grandma related stories. The only worry is seeing Emile Heskey line up on the wing against Fulham, demonstrating the lack of options out wide with only two recognized wide men at the club. This is a problem that needs addressing sooner rather than later, with preferably 2 new wingers arriving.
Talk of Matt Jarvis from Wolves is encouraging, however the price asked will be too much for Villa at the moment. There is also talk of more additions in midfield. West Hams Scott Parker who would be an ideal replacement for an aging Stiliyan Petrov and the return of former fans favourite Thomas ‘der hammer’ Hitzlsperger.
Strikers – With Darren Bent upfront goals are guaranteed. The only worry is the supply into him with Bent citing the service from Young and Downing as one of the main reasons he moved to Villa. With a rejuvenated Gabriel Agbonlahor and Promising younger Nathan Delfounesoin reserve, the striking department should not be a concern to McLeish this summer. The manager has taken a shine to Heskey which is a bit of a worry, especially if he continues to play him out wide! In my opinion Emile should be shipped out with Villa youngster Andreas Weimann being given a chance.
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Ciaran Clark! No e! See it every day and does my head in! Nathan Baker has a little bit of premier league experience as well. I’m not sure any of those midfield options are viable – Hitz has moved to Wolfsburg and unless we sell we wouldn’t sign Parker or Jarvis due to wages.
Agbonlahor was the one on the wing vs Fulham, Heskey actually played off the striker mainly to mark Danny Murphy. Predictably did well but offered little going forward. McLeish could have played Albrighton and N’Zogbia, but was more of a defensive preference than lack of options. Bannan deserves a mention too – he could be a big player this season if injuries allow him a run in the team (well…as big as you can be at 5″nothing!)
Otherwise a very good article.