Strictly Aston Villa: A sober look at who I think should be starting
Wednesday, 11 June 08, 08:36 AM · Comments (53)
It isn't long until we play a competitive match that could determine if we play in the UEFA Cup next season and instead of waiting for transfer activity, I thought I'd play a game.
The game in question doesn't link to any external website or sources and is what I'm calling, Strictly Aston Villa.
I'm not looking at anything else other than the dressing room we have, minus Barry and who I think should be starting - ultimately getting to where I think we need new players, but I'm not mentioning names, for the reason that follows.
A lot has been written about what is needed and where we need to strengthen and I've been asked a few times in the comments about who should replace Barry. While I've got an opinion or two on who I think we should be looking at, 90% of it is based on TV matches and it needs quite a bit more than that.
I'm also not paid huge sums of money to look at players or watch football matches, so I'm sure that someone who is, will have many more suggestions and it's fairly pointless me saying who I'd like, because if someone disagrees with that player, it turns into something else.
So, in this post, I'm looking at what we've got and where I'd like to see them play and how I'd like to see the team play. You may be surprised and you'll probably disagree but one thing it does do is highlight where I think we need players. If I don't mention a position, it's because I think we need to fill it.
I'm going to start from the back, mostly because I believe all the best teams have a great defence and I think in this department we are doing quite well.
I like Stuart Taylor and think he's a very good goalkeeper, but I don't think Martin O'Neill does and I'm sure that they'll be at least one more coming in, so I'm leaving this position blank, but I'm having him on the bench every week.
A fit Martin Laursen is one of the best defenders in the Premier League and I think a fit Curtis Davies will most definitely be travelling to South Africa in 2010, if England get in. I'm expecting these two, when they do start to play together, to shine for us next season and as such they're both in.
We clearly need a right back so that space is empty but I'm happy putting Wilfred Bouma in at left back. If we didn't have Ashley Young, I'd be playing Barry on the left side of midfield and probably be looking for a more attacking left back, but with Ashley I don't think we need that type of player and Bouma proved last season he is worthy of the shirt. Add to that, that I wasn't going to use Barry, Bouma is in for sure.
Midfield is going to be slightly controversial because I think we need to play five and a lone striker. It's possibly not going to sit well with some, but it's my Strictly Aston Villa and you've all got the chance to contribute below or in the forum.
First on my team sheet would be the captain, Nigel Reo-Coker. I'm not sure if Doc likes him but I think he's going to get better and better. He's no Sid Cowans and never will be, but for ninety minutes he'll keep running and I think next season we'll see more of it and if we were to be playing five in the middle, I think he'd get a few more opportunities going forward too. This is fantasy land remember.
Next down is Ashley Young and if I'm honest he'd be next after Reo-Coker on the team sheet. He pipped Martin Laursen as my player of the season last year by a whisker, but it was well deserved and I think next season we're going to see more consistency from him.
The bottom line to that consistency is going to be him getting past players more and creating opportunities. Hopefully a few more goals will also come, as in my five man midfield, he's more an attacking winger than anything else.
The money we paid for Young is going to seem like peanuts in a few seasons and if he develops like we all hope he can I see exciting times ahead.
Next on my list is Craig Gardner. I'd put him to the right side of midfield but not on the right, if you know what I mean. I think this lad has bags of talent and at 21 years old is only going to get better and better. He reminds me a little of Paul Scholes, don't ask for details on why, I'm not sure myself.
I expect the Craig Gardner choice to raise a few eyebrows and it is a gamble, but I'm firmly convinced about him - especially when playing five in the middle.
There is only one more player on my list and that goes to John Carew and for some specific reasons; his strength, height and European experience.
With Young attacking down the left and hopefully another attacking winger on the right, I don't think we need two up front and having the five in the middle means we should be able to break more attacks up. Carew also has bags of European experience and will frighten defenders, both in Europe and the Premier League.
There is nothing for Petrov or Gabby, but they're both on the bench in my fantasy team. I'd like to see Gabby coming on and making an impact in games with his pace. If I was doing this in three seasons I'd also like to be able to say that Gabby would be my new John Carew, but I think he still has a bit to learn.
That is really about it from me. I think we need four more players that would be considered players that were purchased for the first team and it's going to cost quite a bit of cash, but I think we'd have a really good chance of competing this season - especially if the rest of the money spent is spent on some very good squad players and we're fortunate again with injuries.
The UEFA Cup isn't the big prize, but it carries with it some serious cash and winning it would certainly be a massive achievement for us and would put us right up there as contenders again.
Our chances are not so great at the moment but you'd like to think that the club are going to take it seriously and if we can develop just a little further from last season, we're in a good position to do quite well in it.
So that's my team as it stands now. I'm sure nobody is going to agree 100% with me but I'd be interested to know, in the comments below, where you think we've got players that can start and in what position and ultimately, how many players you think we need for the starting eleven and again, in what positions. Maybe, when you think about it, we won't be that far apart.
I also thought, this would be a nice distraction from everything else that isn't happening.
Like this blog? Help spread the word: 
53 Comments · Add yours
Iv just heard that Gareth Barry has decded not to move to Liverpool. He has dedided to become a cricketer instead.
I went to school with Craig Gardner. Nice lad. I agree with you putting him in the starting 11, and im sure he'll get his chance next season.
Uefa cup would worth less than ten million in total to Villa if they won it. Compare that to the money in the Champions League. Its rediculously low and if Villa didn't progress in the competition, it could be of precious little value as a cash source to villa, or to any club.
Liam Ridgewell... Steven Davis... Gary Cahill... Luke Moore... Craig Gardner.
Sorry Damian, that's the road I think Craig will eventually follow.
I THINK WE NEED A BETTER KEEPER.. BORUC FROM celtic would be good...a rightback ...any of the forign players linked with villa would be fantastic and steve finnan would be a solid buy for the next few yrs.... barry replacement Tom Huddlestone i think MON would make him england regular...Rightside of midfield we need someone in the ashley young mould on that side Lennon would be ideal to join MON's baby England and finally a striker We need to top goal scorer Santa Cruz from Blackburn would be ideal for now.
Interesting, and I follow the logic, but surely the only way Gabby is going to develope is by playing. In an ideal world not every week but certainly the majority of them. However the team you mention is , probably, the only team we could put out so it all depends on which players we buy. If MON is using his five year plan then surely he must have some idea of the players he wants so why haven't we made more roads into getting them? Sorry to sound critical but frustration is creeping in particularly after the last transfer window when after much hype we ended up dissappointed.
For me, Gabby has to made the impact from the bench, do enough to warrant a place when Carew needs a rest or is injured and like I said, I'd see him doing that job in three seasons - I just don't think he has it yet and with only one striker in my fantasy team, it has to be big John for now.
Wheres our 20 goal a season man? Its certainly not Carew
the above positions mentioned are what i believe are vital to address for us to progress from last season and believe all these positions will be filled before we kick off
Agree that Gabby is not the finished article, however not sure big John gives us the consistency needed for 1 up front. Can't help but feel we've got a team of squad players, Laursen and Davies apart, the other players you have mentioned would struggle to get a contrat at any of the top 4. Down to the bear bones!
I pretty much agree with the personnel, although I would play 4-4-2 and Gardner would be on the bench. I agree that he is a good prospect, but I'd like someone else in there at the moment.
I'd be relatively happy with Gabby either up front or on the right, with a new signing to play wherever he doesn't.
with the intertoto just round the corner heres my prediction for starting 11.g.k.taylor,clark,laurson,knight,
young,salifou,reo,petrov,gabby,
carew,delfounso,subs,harewood,gardner,me,you,merson.
no bouma as will still be away.who says dont panic
I agree on the system and would have a similar line up. I would go for 4 at the back, a holding midfield player just in front of the back four, a couple of playmakers in the middle of the park, two pacy wingers on either side and a target man up top.
Now the selection!! in an ideal world I would want one new CB (not convinced by Curtis) a RB (obviously), a new playmaker (Bye Bye Barry) and finally a new right sided winger (Gabby, Gabby, Gabby, Gabby, Gabby Agbonlahor he's F'in S**te, he's F'in S**te!!). However we do not live in an ideal world, we live in an Aston Villa world which means we rarely get what we need and never get what we want!! I can not pick a decent team from the players we currently have, we simply dont have the numbers and certainly lack the quality, therefore against what the post says I'm picking my 11 based on what on what we have the realistic transfers!!
1. Stuart Taylor (GK) - remember I said realistic transfers and realistically I just can't see us signing anyone any better than what we've got already
2. Chimbonda (RB) - I don't like him one bit, in fact I would hate to see himat villa but I can see MON signing him as he's only going for around £2million
3. Willy Bouma (LB)
4. Martin Laursen (CB)
5. Curtis Davis (CB)
6. Nigel Reo-Coker (DM) - Not 100% convinced about this one
7. Gabby Agbonlahor (AMR) - I really don't rate this lad, he lacks quality, lacks heart, lacks effort and is a big headed cockey t**t. However we wont sign anyone so we're stuck with him.
8. Gardner (MC) - Again cant see us doing any business to get anyone better
9. John Carew (ST)
10. Steve Sidwell (MC) - Again not 100% convinced but realistic
11. Aslhey Young (AML / free role)
This is a team that genuniely lacks the quality to challenge in Europe or even keep us in the top 6 in the league. I may be a little pesimistic but from the looking at the ealings done in the last few transfer windows I think I have been realisitc with my choice. Obviously I would like much much better so come on MON, stop talking crap on the BBC and get your act together!!!!
The only people we should start with are : Curtis Davis, Laursen, Young, Gabby & NRC - The rest don't cut it. I think Villa need at least 10 players in and 6 of those need to be int class - If not it could be a long season. I really don't believe in MON anymore ... I felt such a hope but I think he's as fast as a car on bricks when it comes to getting people in.
I know a little unreleated but did anybody hear the stupid comment from Mark Lawrenson during the Germany vs Poland game - Insinuating that another midfielder was leaving Villa to progress like the Hammer did - I've written to the BBC and I would like this taken further as its a bias / unsettling comment that's not helped Villa and is in a legal sense - Wrong !!! Any comments?
i agree with you on gardner i think he could be real quality, we need 4 first team signings to be sure of getting to the group stage of the uefa cup
Just a thought, my starting 11: Taylor, bouma, laursen, knight, gardner, young, reo coker, petrov, moloney, carew, gabby. On the bench there wud b no defender or keeper! Salifou osbourne routledge n harewood. Doesnt fill me with hope, where will we find 7 subs!
im looking forward to delfouneso an steibler et al being given a little run in the first team
I see Jussi has sign a new deal at Bolton. Another one that slipped through the net. Here's some signings i believe will happen.
GK - Boruc
RB - Chimbon-chica-wah-wah and Finnan
MD - Sidwell
We should have gone all out for Jussi and Zoltan Gera both on free transfers. However have both been swiftly taken off the market.
Damo - you only seem to have four in midfield - who is the fifth midfield player? ;)
Based on lack of activity, uncertaincy over GB and the fact MON on Euro duty til end of June and the prob we wont get anyone in by 17th July!!!
GK Taylor - decent keeper, just always looks overweight
LB Bouma - deserves his place imo
CB Laurson - picks himself
CB Knight - only till Davies back
RB Gardner - no other option, NRC showed he can't play there
LAM Young - obvious choice
CDM Reo-Coker - Best Ball Winner in League, needs to up his all-round game though
CM Petrov - showed us glimpses of what he's about, needs to be more consistant
RAM Routledge - he's the only player I think will give us more balance, will stretch the pitch by huging the touch line
CF Carew - was a fan before he came and still believe he's better than we've seen so far
ST Agbonlahor - Quick strikers are a handfull at any level but I think he's got more than just his pace, a bit frustrating at times but has to play imo
Salifou, Maloney, Osbourne, Harewood, Delfouneso, and some of the new lads coming through maybe O'Halloran if fit (not sure if still injured or when back) and maybe Stieber.
A pretty decent first team but not one I would be happy going into a premier league season with.
To Ben Richards, I agree that those sort of comments are unhelpful to say the least. Though the BBC would respond by saying that these are "opinions only and not official BBC policy", or some such cop out. You may get an apology, Lawro won't get his wrist slapped, and inane comments shall continue to flow forth from the brain dead at the Beeb. Anyway mate - good luck, and keep us posted. Thanks
Reading versus Villa season before last... 2-0 to Reading middle field battle won by which midfielder? total domination. Sidwell would be good and so would Milner. Sidwell for England within a season..? at whos expense..?
Its defence we need to build on, leaked goals last year.
[quote] To Ben Richards, I agree that those sort of comments are unhelpful to say the least. Though the BBC would respond by saying that these are "opinions only and not official BBC policy", or some such cop out. You may get an apology, Lawro won't get his wrist slapped, and inane comments shall continue to flow forth from the brain dead at the Beeb. Anyway mate - good luck, and keep us posted. Thanks[/quote]
You mean a kop out ;), I heard it as well, made him look like more of an idiot than he usually is, MON in the studio as well, bet he was fuming. Expect fireworks when they next meet.
The L pool mafia seem to be all over the place at the moment mind you MON made shearer and hansen look like the pair of clowns they are, good luck to Blackburn with shearer in control.....
I Wonder what Lerner and the L Pool owners are discussing in the Keys this week, apart from the attitude of a bunch of scallys.
UTV
villa_nz. You would miss gabby the minute we didn`t have the opportunity to pick him. He can unsettle any defence. He can look lazy when playing up front because he is learning his trade. Look at him playin on the right side. He is the best in defence, chasing down opponents, and takes offensive runs all the time. Curtis Davis will be the master of his domain!
What about a team of ex-Villans from Euro 2008 Allback, Hitzelsperger, Mellberg, Bouma, eh struggling now... Balaban..?
Look at where the team was weak last year. Defence - we have two good dentre halves who are both injury prone - we need another cenre half. We need a keeper and a right back. Anyone who argues that that is not our priority for next season don't know a lot about football. After that I felt we were weak defensively in central midfield - contentious I know - but NRK likes to bomb on and puts his foot in a bit sharpish and we had noone else except perhaps Osbourne could step up.
I agree with Damian, Gabby aint the finished article BUT we did score a lot of goals and I wouldn't be losing sleep over getting another striker. A good right winger who can score goals i.e. NOT Milner would give us options and cover up front.
mike s's line up of "special" players:
(gk)taylor (who else?!)
(lb)bouma (if o'halloren comes through i cant see him beating bouma for the place)
(cb)laursen
(cb)davis (hes workin out!)
(rb)chimbonda ((sorry)but i am a big fan of chimbonda)
(lwm)young (non-other!)
(lcm)sidwell (he'd be a great signin)
(rcm)petrov/reo-coker/new signing
(rwm)scannel/bentley/agbonlahor (i can see somebody new coming in)
(cf/free role around striker)aggy/crouch
(st)carew
bench:harewood,salifou-fou(growing talent!),reo-coker/petrov(howevers left),routledge(he is good!),new goalie.
p.s. put BANG at the end of your message if like pie!
UTV ;D
is there anything to be said about bringing back stan collymore!!
joey the ak says
(gk)Friedel(if we get him)
(lb)bouma OBIVOUSLY
(Cb)Davis
(cb)laursen
(rb)Chimbonda(if we get him)
(lm)Young
(cm)petrov
(rm)Bently
(cam)diego(i really really want him)
(st)aggy
(cf)carew
BANG
;DUTV
I agree with the 5 man midfeild. I mean if you remember how it worked with gabby, moore and angel that was one of villas best formation unti lmoore got injured.
My Team would be
GK.Stuart Taylor(Artur Boruc if we signed him.)
Rb.I would like to see lahm come and play for us if not we will sign someone of chimbondas standards.
Cb. Laursen
Cb. Davis once fit.
Lb. Bouma
Rm. Milner(If not then gabby)
CDM. Reo Cocker
cm.Gardner
cm.Hulldelstone
Lm.Ashley young
St. Carew
bench: Guzan, harewood, O'halloran, maloney, gabby, salifou, routledge, knight, bannan,
I would like martin to sign players from the Euro because there are plenty of young talent on show and I believe could be tempted to play with under O'Neil
Bad news Portugal won 3-1 Deco 1 Ronaldo 2 >:(
gk.. freidel/boruc hopefully
lb.. riise
rb.. hoyte/nelson/miguel
cb.. laursen.. bouma/davies
cdm.. reo-coker (c)
cm .. bullard.. sidwell
am.. young
st.. carew gabby ...
Gk - Boruc
LB - Bouma
CD - Laursen
CD - Davies
RB - Nélson (Benfica)
LM - Young
CM - Reo-Coker (Captain)
CM - Milner or Huddlestone (they can both be a new Barry but I prefer Milner)
RM - Lennon or Routledge (both have a point to prove and are very talented - maybe just need confidence which MON and his staff can give)
ST - Carew
ST - Agbonolahor
Bench
Brad Guzan
From
Gardner
Benayoun
Lennon or Routledge
Huddlestone or Milner
Plus a young one from
Clarke - He is a real talent
Bannan - and him
Forrester - and him
Delfueneso - watch this guy develop
we wont have a team at this rate.the rest will be off if we dont get some decent players in
Am i the only one on here who is getting a bit worried.Why no signings.Yes i hear you all say dont panic and have faith,but cant help it.As for Benyoun has anyone actually seen him play hes very average.We need Guzan,Nelson,Taylor or Dunne,Gudjohnsen,And 3 midfielders.
If you are having a 5 man Midfield you have to include Salifou! From all the reserve game reports he is a great player who can shoot from distance and control the tempo of a game! From what I've seen of him in the first team he looks good and just needs a run of games.
What about Routlidge? Why did we buy him if we aren't going to use him, that enables Petrov to move into the middle where he performed best at the end of the season!
Obviously, we need to improve our defense, both Right and Left backs, I know Willy looked good this year but he had no competition for a place so we were happy with him. We need a LB who is going to get forward and create some space for ash to attack into.
GK - S Taylow
LB - W Bouma
CB - M Laursen
CB - C Davies
RB - C Gardener
LM - A Young (roaming with Coker to cover)
CM - R Coker
CM - S Petrov
RM - Salifou
CF - G Agbonlahor
CF - Harewood
Why are a lot of you clowns bringing in youth players into this...who havent played first team football at all...you cant just throw them into the starting line up for a european qualifier match.
Aston Villa need EUROPEAN CLASS PLAYERS to compete on the european stage...not youth players.
Its not rocket science...and as far as i can see Martin O'Neill has done shit all to do this right now.
Barry has gone basically...how are we going to push for honours next season and in the future if we let our best players go. Its like Chelsea stating that they are to win next years premerleague and then supporting this quote by selling Drogba, Lampard, Cech and Terry.
Its ridiculous.
Milner.
Chimbonda.
Routledge.
We have more chance of colonating on the moon and being able to milk centipedes before Aston Villa (the club that i love with all my heart although it might not seem this way) push for any achievments or european places.
You think we need four more players ??????????? so we had the smallest squad in the premier league last season and we have lost Berger,Melberg,sorenson,Barry,More,thats 5 players and no replacements as yet.
another four players would give us an even smallest squad again and we want to compete in europe ????????????. So really we should be looking at around 8-9 players surely.
I cannot see us achieving nothing next season only a trophy for the smallest squad.
I really hope I am proved wrong.
Rob1
No, not just four - four that would be considered players for the first team.
Like I say above, if I don't name a player in a position it means I think we need someone for that position - I'm only picking players I think are good enough - not filling my team.
Christ, you all go on about getting in star new players and MON's lack of ambition, but then you all start putting in just about the same squad we had last season. I think I'll leave MON to do it...he's obviously got a better idea! This is not a personal gripe Damo, it's just me daily let off steam, now I feel better! BANG or whatever!
but andyarkitekt
those 7 players i've menioned above i think are good enough for the UEFA cup run for us .. it's only 7
4 more players and we could have a very strong team for the uefa cup
add to that 4 more 'considered' squad players, but still strong enough to step in when needed ..
and you've got to fancy we've got a good team. we cant asak for 11 new players now ;)
I was not about you Damo, because I appreciate you left gaps/blanks for incoming signings, but loads of others are using the players we have. We will be needing around 5 new signings in the first team. I also appreciate you are only putting yours down for the tin pot cup, but I think others are looking at the long haul? I will stand corrected if anyone wants to clarify! I think Bouma should come out and say he is desperate for Van Der Vaart, Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt at Aston Villa (after all, there's nothing wrong with that is there Stevie G?). I'll go in the papers saying I'm desperate for Diego and Nelson at Aston Villa if it helps.
With a 5 man midfield, carew has nobody to feed off him winning balls in the air :/
Wallaby
if they're all standing still ball watching you're right
but the point of having 5 in midfield, for me anyway, is you've got 3 options - the 2 wingers and someone attacking from central midfield
it would also be nice to hope that we're not going to be playing the long abll next season
andy - yes i know .. just getting my point across ;)
I agree with Adam Hackett.. Is it just me or do the majority of you guys have low estimations of who Villa can atrrct to the club?
Chimbonda? A Spurs Reject? No thanks.. We need to be trying to get the best.. not settling just because they're available...
Regarding MON and this summers Transfers.. I dont mind if he wants to take his time buying top talent, Understandable.. But not to take all summer bringing in players like Sidwell!!
I do want bullard though. He's an underated little Genius!!
how about richard dunne and hart from man city
i forgot who really scored but "joey the ak" is wrong ronaldo didnt score twice.
p.s. backin holland for euro 2008 ;D
I think we should definatley get routledge out there playing we havent seen anything of him yet and everyone has written him and Salifou off. Who knows the pair of them might turn into quality players for us next season.
Can anyone tell me if the deal for Curtis Davies is all sorted, has he been signed permanently yet?
READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ,,Nelson right full ( Benfica ) quick, exciting and young, also scored a peach against Utd in the champions league if you remember,, Gudjohnsen striker( Barca ) proved his talent with chelsea has euro experience would be great behind Carew,.. Van der Vaart centre mid would be amazing with the money from barry get him,I heard a interest in Diego Werder bremen,would be great but he is to good for villa,Poulsen would be a great buy full international and smart player,Lennon would be good to pop on the right,petrov hasnt got the legs for the wings,its got 2 be young n lennon on the flanks,these are good players that villa need,they offer pace and skill in lennon and nelson,class in van der vaart and creativity in gudjohnsen . poulsen has a heart for the game great passer.
GK - Boruc (Celtic)
RB - Nelson (Benfica)
CB - Laursen
CB - Davies
LB - Riise (Liverpool)
RM - Quaresma (Porto)
CM - Van Der Vaart (HSV)
CM - Deigo (W Bremen)
LM - Young
ST - Podolski (Bayern Munich)
ST - Henry (Barcelona)
Subs:
GK - Taylor (Brilliant Goalkeeper O'Neill needs 2 give him a chance!)
RM - Lennon (Spurs)
ST - Gudjohnsen (Barcelona)
CM - Huddlestone (Spurs)
LB - Bouma
I think we need 6 players who could get into the first team, and maybe a couple more 'squad members'
Ive based my selection on realistic rumours
GK - Carlos Kameni (Espanyol)
LB - Freddie Bouma (Obviously)
CB - Mountain Laursen (Again. . .Obviously)
CB - Curtis Davies
RB - Nelson (Hope we get this guy) Or That Christian Maggio
RM - Milner/Lennon (We'll get one of them)
CM - Da da da Nigel Reo-Coker
CM - Petrov (If he can continue like end of season) Craig Gardner (Agree with Damian, very much like Paul Scholes)
LM - (Free Role) Ashley Young
ST - Carew
ST - Agbonlahor (Hopefully we'll get someone better)
Obviously we need more than this, but its based on who i think are targets! Because of MON's unpredictability we can't really comment other than what we'd like to see!
I think once we've seen if and what MON buys we'll be better placed to see whats what
Just an addition, if we can't get Kameni from Espanyol then we should go the Holy Goalie at celtic! Boruc!
Damien, your bit about Gardner like Scholesey and you couldn't think why!
Well firstly, i think his technique is very similar, the area in which they shoot is similar, their movement is very similar (watch scholes a few years back though)
Also, their work rate, energy, attitude, heart, effort and vision!