Continuing from last week’s analysis of the defense, here’s my look at the midfield and attacking personnel at Villa Park.
Steven Ireland: While he might have been Player of the Year by default, he was without question the most improved player. If the next manager plays attacking football and can sign some players with higher football IQs, Ireland should shine that much more. He will be able to set up his teammates and get forward more in a side that actually can keep possession. If the team isn’t penned into its own half he could make more dangerous runs into the box. I still don’t entirely trust Ireland to be healthy enough to be relied upon.
Jermaine Jenas: Incomplete. That fact that we paid him to be hurt while shipping Jean II Makoun to Greece caused so many of the midfield’s problems.
Charles N’Zogbia; Marc Albrighton: The only wingers on a team that played with little width. I grouped them together because the fact that both underperformed so badly has to be attributed at least partially to the manager. N’Zogbia was stifled trying to cover for Stephen Warnock. Albrighton was asked to cut in more in McLeish’s system and it is not his strength. Frequently none of the midfielders got forward, and Albrighton would cross the ball to nobody or one of the strikers was fighting off three guys to try and win the ball. Both of these guys are young, and talented enough that a new manager could make all the difference.
Fabian Delph: He needs consistent, first team football. I can’t see him getting it here. What is he anyway? It is a shame. When he does play the effort is always there and he does have leadership qualities. Gerard Houllier touted him as captain material. He did get between Richard Dunne and Gordon Cowans, and appeared to be the most level-headed during Collins and Herd’s drunken row.
Stiliyan Petrov: The captain was having his best season in a few years before his diagnosis. Anything the club gets from him going forward is gravy. Without leukemia would be heading into his mid 30s. Combine age with recovering from chemotherapy—even if he does play again it may no longer be at Premier League level. This is all secondary, of course.
Barry Bannan: He was on his way to a fine season until he drove drunk. As the season went on, and the team’s tactics became more defensive, Bannan was more and more lost. Seeing the back of McLeish is the best thing that could’ve happened to his Villa career.
Chris Herd: The Australian finally broke into the first team. He is good in the air, can play multiple positions, and has a high work rate. I’m not sure what else he does well. He’s a useful utility player that’s worth holding onto.
Gary Gardner: Made his first team debut. He had some good moments but was exposed the longer he was left out there. At only 20, the sky is the limit. In a more attack-minded setup he should score goals. If this club competes again anytime soon he will be a big part of the reason why.
Samir Carruthers: He showed no fear running right at Steven Gerard in his league debut. He has worlds of potential but is probably a year away from being a major contributor in the league.
Darren Bent: His skills were totally wasted on this team last season. His merits have been debated ad nauseum on this site, but his finishing was sorely missed when he was out.
Gabby Agbonlahor: At this point, Gabby is what he is. He can carry the club for a period of time, but if you are relying on him to score goals for an entire season you will be disappointed. Whether it be focus or fitness, Gabby has never been consistent for an entire season. He’s not exactly young anymore.
Emile Heskey: As a Premier League footballer his skills have eroded to the point where he was just not good enough any more. He always gave an honest effort, which is more than can be said for a lot of players.
Nathan Delfonueso: It’s just not happening. Maybe if Martin O’Neil had loaned him out at a younger age instead of having him rot on the bench week after week it would have made more of a difference. If he is going to have any semblance of a career he needs to go to a Football League club and try to figure it out.
Andreas Weimann: Finally fit, he made the most of his opportunity and proved he deserves the chance to be part of the club’s future. He might not be a 20-goal scorer, but if he can chip in with 10-15 a season there is plenty of value in that.
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