Does Fabian Delph have a future at Villa?
Now I must admit, I haven’t always been the biggest fan of Fabian Delph. He was pretty hyped when we signed him from Leeds, but in the years since, we haven’t really ever seen the best of Delph, at least on a consistent basis. He’s had bad luck with injuries, and he can prove mightily frustrating with his sometimes over-committed approach.
He’s a walking yellow card at times, but when he’s good, as he was against West Ham (in my opinion), he certainly brings a lot to the table. I thought that his partnership with Ashley Westwood was mightily encouraging, and his energy and enthusiasm were welcome in a vitally important game. Centre-midfield has been far too weak for far too long at Villa Park, and if we can get the Delph of West Ham form playing on a consistent basis, then he could prove to be mightily important as we bid to stay up.
We’re starting to see a more settled line-up, and swap Bowery for Agbonlahor and I think that the starting eleven we saw against the Hammers, has what it takes to hopefully keep us in this division. That gives us real options on the bench with the likes of Bent, Dawkins and Sylla ready to get involved as we saw on Sunday. Back to Delph though, and ex Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker had some nice things to say on the player, and for those who haven’t seen them, here is an excerpt of his comments:
“Fabian is so talented. He has an abundance of ability. The world is his oyster.
“He has so much quality but I don’t think people realise how much.
“I just hope he can stay injury-free because I know he’s had his fair of problems over the past few years. I hope he can have a good run in the team.
“I hope he continues to mature too and get better and better.
“Off the pitch he’s a fantastic, well-grounded lad. On the pitch I just love his tenacity. He has that old-school mentality about him.”
Once again we asked some fans on our Twitter page for their comments, and I have to say that by and large, they were very positive. What do you all think though? Can he play a big part this season and in the future? As I’ve already admitted he’s not one of my favourite players, but he’s slowly winning me around with his recent performances. And whatever league we find ourselves in next season, I wouldn’t mind him as part of the squad: UTV.
@upthevillanews used to want him gone but definitely think he’s now one of the more important players at the club, same with n’zogbia
— LewisGallagherAVFC (@Lewis_Gallagher) February 13, 2013
@upthevillanews I, can’t actually believe he was MOM on sunday. Awful. No touch, no awareness. Like a bull in a chinashop.
— Nik South (@Nik_South) February 13, 2013
@upthevillanews I’ve got a feeling that lambert sees something in him.
— Adam Wise (@AdamLukeWise) February 13, 2013
@upthevillanews Awesome, all-action player we need. Should rein it in a little and has to stay fit. Big presence for us though
— Sam Tighe(@stighefootball) February 13, 2013
@upthevillanews yes, surprised and pleased with how he has turned it around. still a LOT he can improve on but handy squad player at least
— TJ (@TJVillan) February 13, 2013
@upthevillanews he seems to have really stepped up, got the potential definitely and I was a Delph doubter up until recently #AVFC #UTV
— julie lawrence (@julielawrence17) February 13, 2013
@upthevillanews taken too long to develop for me. If sylla, westwood, bowery, lowton, bennett etc take as long we will be in big trouble.
— Phil Waring (@chefpwaring) February 13, 2013
UTV.
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would have benefited from playing alongside petrov or a similar player
i think he has potential but my gut feeling is it will take a few seasons
if he makes it,,,,,, players like barry and milner played in midfield
by mistake/necessity but looked good within a short time
he is young and playing in a poor team and under pressure,,,
tough conditions for him to shine
i think he’d be better with someone playing nearer to him – i think he has the potential to be more dynamic, he’s well capable of beating players for pace and a drop of the shoulder, and seeing some of the goals he scored for leeds shows he can be more of a box-to-box midfielder. he needs someone to work along side him capable of relieving a bit of the pressure – Westwood doesn’t get involved enough.
I remember seeing the video of him after we signed him from Leeds, and he scored some wonder goals. It be nice to bring that side of his game back, or have anyone in the middle capable of scoring on a consistent basis!
Like others, I wanted him gone. But he has been good in the last couple of months and has probably moved ahead of the other CMs in the pecking order now. Good on him. Would like to see him with Sylla though as he and Westwood are too similar to be a partnership.
First touch is awful at times, never looks in complete control of the ball and he can trap the ball further than I can hoof it !
Delph has had numerous patches of form where hes been outstanding. But like every other time, hes eventually going to have a bad game and these fans will be right on his back again with all the “hes not good enough” shite. Theres no point even asking the question. Villa fans are as fickle as the weather.
One simple question will give you the answer.
Question. which other prem team would he start in
Answer. None
I wish he had Irelands ability or Ireland had his energy and commitment
Fabian delph second touch will always be a tackle,