COMMENTARY
Well this is quite a turn up for the books as Aston Villa midfielder Mile Jedinak is a player who normally receives a lot of criticism from fans on average, and it’s odd that supporters are urging Dean Smith to play him on Saturday against Ipswich Town. After journalist Matt Maher provided an update via his personal Twitter on the 34-year-old defensive midfielder to reveal he was back in training and had played 60 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly, some Villans supporters couldn’t help but admit their side missed him. Jedinak hasn’t featured in the Championship for the Villans since September and it seems absence has made the heart grow fonder. While some acknowledge that the veteran did have fans turn against him, probably due to his performances dipping with him being a slow presence in midfield, others just point out how much stronger he made the team defensively. While Jedinak has only just got over the injury that has kept him on the sidelines recently, it seems that fans believe he is worth taking the risk on. This may be a reflection of how fed up they are with their side’s defensive vulnerabilities rather that testament to Jedinak’s ability however.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets below:
Jedinak played an hour in a 4-2 behind-closed-doors friendly win over Swindon yesterday. Hogan, Kodjia, Hause also involved, Glenn Whelan back after a shoulder problem forced him to miss Saturday's game with Wigan.
— matt maher (@mjmarr_star) January 23, 2019
I think we've missed jedinak. Would be good to have him involved IF he isnt moved on this window.
— Rick (@Rick_avfc1) January 23, 2019
If I was Smith Jedinak comes through the rest of the week ok, he would sit in front of that back four for me Saturday Matt.
— Roger. W (@RogerW42) January 23, 2019
Samehere, let McGinn and Conor move further up. BB is shocking at the moment so even a 80% Jedi would be better
— Boycey (@Boycey1259) January 23, 2019
I would play Jedinak as a DM all day long. He protects a weak defensive & can go back & create a back 5 when under pressure. He was awesome last session – Both semi finals last year were stand outs with fans only turning on him when he was played as a centre back by Bruce ????
— bäckröw83 (@backrow83) January 23, 2019
Villa has a good record when Jedinak plays DM. No good anywhere else
— FiloBedo (@FiloBedo10) January 23, 2019
We always were much stronger with Jedi sitting in front…
— Liam Manels (@Manels88) January 23, 2019
I'd start Jedinak Sat.
— Birdy (@abirdy82) January 23, 2019