Potential Aston Villa Starting XI 2013/2014
Since his first day at Villa, Paul Lambert has been intent on making this team his own. He wasn’t (and still isn’t) afraid to make big calls, such as leaving the club’s most expensive ever player to warm his backside on the Villa Park bench. Whilst Darren Bent picked up the biggest pay cheque going in the Midlands, Lambert picked up a virtual unknown from Belgium to replace him on the pitch.
That virtual unknown is now very well known, and raising an eyebrow or two of some of the biggest clubs in world football. Villa fans continue to hold their breath on Benteke, but Lambert breathes easy. In Nicklas Helenius, he has acquired a player ready to mould into our next target man should the enigmatic Belgian stay, but also ready to stand up and be counted, should he go.
As always, Lambert is one step ahead…
Many Villa fans were surprised at how quickly Lambert has moved in the transfer window, but MOMS highlighted his significant player cull in the past couple of months and can now reveal details of his end of season meetings with the current squad. Effectively, and quite brutally, each player met with the manager to be told whether or not they would be in his plans for the coming year. It appears these meetings have signaled the end for Holman (his contract has already been cancelled) along with the likes of Ireland, Bent, Hutton, Stevens, Delfouneso, and Bannan. Lambert won’t backtrack on any of these decisions either (judging by his treatment of Warnock last year) which means his new signings will get plenty of football. How much? Well at this stage, we can only speculate…
Last year Lambert was very brave, sticking to his guns and at times playing effectively a 4-2-4 with Weimann, N’Zogbia and Agbonlahor in behind Benteke. With the signings made, expect a more balanced but still attacking 4-3-3.
Aston Villa Potential Starting XI 2013/2014
Guzan
AVFC’s Player of the Year has now established himself as no.1. Jed Steer shouldn’t be any competition but will provide able cover. Expect Given to leave.
DEFENCE
Lowton
Arguably the only outfield position secured for next season. A worry is cover here though, should Lowton pick up an injury or drop his level. Perhaps one of the reasons Chris Herd is still at the club.
Okore
Expect Okore to come straight into the side, that’s how highly rated he is. Will hope to strike up an understanding very quickly with the experienced Vlaar.
Vlaar
Will be given the armband for next season with only injury denying his place. Worrying for the development of Ciaran Clark though however.
Baker
Despite a tendency to dive in, his bravery and assurance impressed PL last year. Has now overtaken Clark but could move to LB to remain in the side. Luna will cover, Bennett’s in trouble.
MIDFIELD
Westwood
Westwood’s breakthrough season was a successful one and he will continue to keep out El Ahmadi sitting just in front of that back four. Can only get better.
Delph
The only player bought outside of Lambert’s reign that has avoided the chop. Finally fulfilling his potential although Sylla will put pressure on him.
Bacuna
Bacuna will probably take to the pace of the Premier League immediately. A box to box midfielder who could play just in front of a midfield two. Gary Gardner could also breakthrough into this role this season.
FORWARDS
Weimann
His best position is still considered through the middle but he was so effective off the right last year. Could move central should Benteke leave allowing Tonev a chance to shine off the wing.
Agbonlahor
Goals will forever be a problem but has become much more of a team player coming in off the flank. Needs to continue being a threat as Bacuna can also play out wide along with Tonev.
Benteke
Have faith. Here at MOMS we are confident he’ll give us one more year at least. If not, then we have options still with 6’5 Helenius along with the two striker-come-wingers who can comfortably play through the middle.
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