Aston Villa journalist Cole Pettem has been talking about Villa defender Ahmed Elmohamady.
This comes after Pettem recently hosted an episode of Villa-themed podcast Holtecast to look back at Villa’s 1-0 defeat against Wolves at the weekend.
During the episode, Pettem shared his thoughts on Elmohamady and why he should be playing at right-back ahead of Ezri Konsa.
He said: “I think my biggest gripe with the whole situation was if you’re going to play [Matt] Targett, then why aren’t you playing Elmo[hamady] as well if you’re going to play two up top? Elmo has great crossing ability. Albeit, I think there is some gripe going on between him and Smith because there was a camera angle and I couldn’t tell if Elmo was giving it to Smith or the refs [against Newcastle] because they’re right beside each other, but it doesn’t seem like those two are getting along and I think that’s evident by [Ezri] Konsa starting.
“But I’m thinking if that’s the case, put that aside, put your best two ball-crossers in the defensive line and it instantly gives us more opportunity and yes, if Targett goes off, at least that gives Elmo more opportunity to whip those balls in.”
Would you start Ahmed Elmohamady in Villa's next match?
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The issue between Elmohamady and Smith that Pettem referred to is that during Villa’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle United last Wednesday, when the Egyptian scored Villa’s equaliser, he appeared to have been making a statement to Smith about why he should be starting games.
TIF Thoughts…
Whether there is any tension between Smith and Elmohamady is unknown, but of course, the full-back is going to want to play games for Villa; his gesture towards Smith at Newcastle just backs this up.
With Elmohamady having managed to score two goals and provide four assists for Villa in 22 appearances across all competitions so far this season, Smith could well choose to start Elmohamady in their next fixture because of his evident attacking prowess in an effort to win games and avoid relegation.