OPINION
Aston Villa are now one step closer to achieving their promotion dream after their 3-0 win over Middlesbrough at the weekend.
One player who was central to that success was winger Anwar El Ghazi. An unlikely player, it must be noted, for making a positive contribution on a match. However, he did just that on Saturday – in fact, it was hard to fault him at all.
The 23-year-old looked like a completely transformed player that afternoon. Not only did his goal help Villa secure all three points, he made positive runs throughout, showed a lot of purpose and seemed well up for everything that came his way.
If you complimented the winger in this way a few months ago, many fans would have laughed straight in your face. That could not be more different now. El Ghazi looks a completely different player, and that could not have come at a better time for Dean Smith and the team.
Many would have ruled Aston Villa out of the promotion race a few months ago, but now the club sit in the play-off places. When Steve Bruce was in charge, this was certainly not the case.
El Ghazi has come into form at the perfect time for the club. There is no denying the talent that the Dutch player has, and that has certainly come into fruition recently. The goal on Saturday was his first since December, and fingers crossed it is the sign of many good things to come.
He has responded to his critics in the best possible way after making many fans’ jaws drop on Saturday, and long may that continue for Villa. With him in form, Villa have a better chance than any of making the play-offs this term.
Many Villa fans must salivate over El Ghazi’s improvement, as it is just the lift they need.