The True Theory of Relativity
I’ve always been fascinated, along with many football fans, by the question of whether clubs or players of today can be compared with those of past generations. It’s interesting not least because there is a never-ending debate, with people suggesting that Maradona was better than Messi, or that Barcelona of 2009 would have beaten Ajax of 1973.

For now, I will settle on the conclusion that we will never truly know, and that we should appreciate the football of now and before. After all, in football it is all about adapting to the current time, atmosphere and climate in which the sport finds itself. To a large extent, the question as to which side or player is best depends on who is answering the question.

For example, I would place Barcelona currently as the best club side ever, because in my lifetime, I’ve not seen a better one. Additionally, my all-time best XI would differ to my grandfather’s, who often talks fondly about the ‘Busby Babes’ and how wonderful George Best was during his time on the pitch. I’ve researched all of these teams and players, and indeed, I’ve been intrigued. However, it’s all about relativity with football and it’s those that I’ve seen play who affect me the most. It’s why we love football so much—there are different answers for everything, and different meanings for everybody.

This raised another question in my mind, particularly as I was pondering Paul Lambert’s team selection for the clash with Manchester City, following such a valiant performance against United: What would my All-Time Villa XI be?

Before I unveil which players I have chosen as part of my All-Time Villa XI, I need to establish that this encompasses the period from when I can first remember watching our great team until now. I was born in 1992 (I’ve only been around for the Premier League era!), so I don’t have that long to work with—but I’ll give it a go. In fact, the reason I’m writing this is because I am in fact more interested in who you, the more experienced Villa fans, would put in your team. Here goes (and please resist the desire to do me physical harm when you see I haven’t included Paul McGrath):

GK – Brad Friedel
RB – Olof Mellberg (c)
LB – Steve Staunton
CB – Martin Laursen
CB – Ugo Ehiogu
RM – Benito Carbone
LM – Ashley Young
CM – Gareth Barry
CM – Ian Taylor
ST – Dion Dublin
ST – Dwight Yorke

So there you have it. I’ve gone for the conventional 4-4-2 being as I’m hardly imaginative enough to come up with a decent bank signature, let alone an intricate formation. This is the Aston Villa all-star XI, relative to me, and my experiences as a Villa fan. What a marvelous 20 years it’s been.

The Theory of Reality
After that little period of trying my hand as Einstein, minus the physics, I think we’re all ready to return to the actual scenario—the players we do have and which of them might play against City.

Lambert’s selection policy since his appointment has been interesting, with a lot of new faces making regular appearances at Villa Park this campaign. Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann must surely start, with their industrious and the latter’s clinical performance against Fergie’s men last time out. Indeed, the midfield also seems to be coming together, with Stephen Ireland and Barry Bannan beginning to click at the heart of our moves forward and players like Delph and Holman coming into the fold.

We look most dangerous when we have men on the wing playing balls in and while target man Benteke seems to be as, if not more, impressive with the ball at his feet, there is certainly potential to be exploited by playing the likes of Marc Albrighton and Charles N’Zogbia on the wings. Gabby Agbonlahor did particularly well there against United, showing his famous pace and power that frightened defences every week under Martin O’Neill. The wing is a key position for a Villa side that is still transforming from the period under the Northern Irishman, during which the wide areas were vital for our counter-attacking style.

In defence is where we are weakest, undoubtedly, as evidenced on Saturday. All three goals were clinical from Javier Hernandez but were afforded by lacklustre defensive displays from the centre backs Ciaran Clark and the experienced Ron Vlaar. These two have the ability to create a formidable partnership if they believe in themselves and work together better, which is something that will come with time. It would seem that this is typical of the team as a whole, one that is capable but not necessarily achieving its potential thus far. Brad Guzan claimed this week that, “we are on the brink of something special”. I agree, but I am also very anxious to see this potential bear fruit.

Here would be my team vs. Man City:

GK – Guzan
RB – Lowton
LB – Lichaj
CB – Clark
CB – Vlaar
DMC – Bannan
RM – Albrighton
LM – Agbonlahor
AMC – Ireland
ST – Benteke
ST – Weimann

Such was my feeling of pride while watching us battle against United, albeit with a somewhat inevitable result, that I would like to see much the same side as the one that faced them. Albrighton, however, would offer something more on the right wing and I think Benteke might thrive on his service.

It will be a tough game, no doubt, but Villa have always had a bite about them when opposed by the big teams. I hope that this tie will be no different.

Awaiting Results
Doing the all-star team selection has made me appreciate how much this club means to me. Football, and Aston Villa FC, in particular has been a massive part of my life so far. Long may it continue.

Please leave a comment with your All-Time Aston Villa XI and feel free to offer criticisms (or preferably heap generous praise) on my selection.

As God himself would say – it’s your round, my lord. So get selecting those teams.

Up the Villa.

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