Solid in the middle of the park

Villa struggled to find Miles Jedinak a competent partner in the engine room last season – Barry can fill that role. The 36-year-old was never renowned for his pace or his forward breaks, so he can still do a job in the middle, protecting the back four and breaking up the oppositions play. He is also a fine tackler and is comfortable in possession, so he would be happy to sit deep and let Villa’s attacking talent go to work while he positions himself to snuff out any potential counter attacks. Barry is also capable of playing the deep lying play maker role, given his superb range of passing, so if when Villa are at home and have plenty of the ball he can be their director of play.