Will Marc Albrighton make it at Villa?
A few comments were released on the official Villa website yesterday attributed to Marc Albrighton, and even though the player admits it himself, it got me thinking that this is an absolutely massive season for the player coming up.
I wrote the same regarding a few of our other younger players, and I think the same applies for Albrighton. A lot of us label them youngsters still, myself included, but the reality is that a number of this exciting group quite possibly face make or break seasons. Albrighton can be classed as being in the group, and I’d include names like Bannan and Delfouneso alongside him. All of the aforementioned names were hyped up big time by the fans, and it’s been hit and miss for all of this group so far regarding their Villa careers.
Others like Herd, Lichaj, Weimann and perhaps Baker look like they could fill important squad roles, and while I’m not saying that Albrighton, Bannan and Delfouneso couldn’t, this upcoming season could tell us a great deal about whether or not they truly have what it takes to make it. A lot seem to think that Delfouneso doesn’t have much of a future at Villa, and as I’ve written about previously even though I do like the player, I just can’t see him getting a run of games.
Bannan splits opinion big time, with some saying he’s one of the better footballers in the squad, with others claiming he’s more of a Championship player. This article is about Albrighton though, and after struggling last season after an electric first full campaign with us, you get the feeling that this upcoming season is a huge one for the winger.
Here are a few quotes from the player:
“But, for me, it’s a massive season and one I am relishing. I had a first season which was good but the second wasn’t so good. This third season is absolutely huge for me.
“I am going to try and impress and hopefully I can. It’s so big. I can’t put it into words. Hopefully I can impress early on and my confidence will take me on for the rest of the season.”
He seems to know himself what lies ahead of him, and at this point I want to point out that I am a fan of super Marc, and hope he can find some of the form that made him so exciting to watch when he first broke on to the scene. He pops up with goals, I still think he has the ability to get quality crosses into the box (despite disappointing somewhat last season) and we know he puts a good shift in.
Last season was a tough one all around, and while some of our younger lot thrived, others like Albrighton struggled. We have N’Zogbia, Holman and a few coming up (Grealish, Carruthers) so there is a bit of depth in the area but I like to think that if Albrighton regains his form he’d be starting every week.
I think the majority of Villa fans want to see Albrighton do well, but do ultimately do you think he has what it takes?
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Albrighton,Bannan and Gardner just aren’t good enough and yet Delfouneso can finish and has scored some great goals. He deserves a chance the others have had.
Albrighton managed to break into the first team while Young and Downing were both still at the club. He needed a more positive style of football and a real target man to deliver to. He is one of the best crossers in the league if not the world and will surely be a Villain for a long time to come.
As A Canadaian he has the style of football that is true for Villa, hard worker first then skill. I hope he breaks out I want to see transfer offers from big cluibs for hime just to prove he is that good to have
I like Marc too and last season was a very difficult one for him having to try to be more of a defensive winger (a la McLeish). He knows how big next season is and I think he’s got the bottle to do it. We know Lambert sets his teams up to the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition and I think we’ll see line ups with two wingers, one winger and maybe no wingers. I think it’s an even more difficult season for Bannan because I don’t think he’s ever shown us his best position. I’d like to see GG get a chance with a strong midfield to give him the opportunity to score goals.
I do like his attitude, and unlike some others at Villa he seems to be all about the football, rather than off the field antics. Agree on Bannan, still not sure on his best position, maybe ahead of a midfield two?
I very much doubt it. He isn’t good enough, not enough qualities to his game. Lacks pace, extremely one footed, struggles to beat an opponent, needs time and space to deliver a decent ball (something top flight left full backs wont allow him), and is little short of a liability when tracking back to help out, making needless and reckless challenges, and offering poor distribution.
I raved about him when I first saw him in action some five years or so back, and thought that he had a lot to offer, having a potentially bright future ahead of him as he worked his way through the ranks. He looked a more than decent prospect at youth and reserve team level.
However he has stood still for two seasons now, hasn’t improved upon or developed his game, and if anything looks like a lower league footballer at best.
He clearly still has belief in his own potential, and I wish him well as he battles to establish himself at Villa Park this season.
We need better though, at least we do if we want to get ourselves back on track, and with two very talented young widemen in Jordan Graham and Jack Grealish both making great strides, the pressure is very definitely on Albrighton to step up to the plate and deliver.
Like Delfouneso, I think that his future lies away from Villa Park.
What are your views on Bannan Glensider? As written above still not entirely convinced, and think this is a huge year for him coming up. You think he can make it?
I’m very much with you regarding Barry Bannan upthevilla. I’m far from convinced about his long term Villa Park prospects.
One decent cross field pass or defence splitting through ball every half dozen games simply isn’t going to cut it. He disappears way too often, and for way too long. He has to bring more to the table on a consistent basis if he hopes to make it at the club.
The natural talent is there, but as we all well know, sometimes that just isn’t enough. Something is still very much lacking.
Agreed mate. His off the field antics are also a bit worrying. There is something missing I agree, and I’m still struggling to see exactly where he fits in. Time will tell.
Let’s not forget Marc was easily the best crosser of a ball (whilst still actually running) at the club a couple of seasons back.
You don’t lose that instantly and any criticism of him after everyone being poor last season under a poor manager, is unfair, imo.
It’s a bigger season for Bannan, to my mind.
He sometimes looks ok, but the truth is I don’t see him making it.
Fonz has had plenty of chances for me and doesn’t deliver, even though I really want him to. Weimann is currently a better bet.
As for GG, blimey Harbourne Villa, give the kid a chance.
If he’d netted a couple more than he did (and he hit the woodwork a couple of times iirc), the whole country would be raving about him a la Walcott etc. In which case, I’m actually glad he had a slightly understated start to his career for us. It’ll keep his feet on the ground.
I’m convinced he’ll definitely come good under a proper manager.
Agree on Gardner mate, with regards to the understated start. He got vital experience, and that has to stand him in good stead.
As with most players last season with totally lost due to the style of play they were forced to play. I think Lambert will give everyone a fair crack of the whip. Lets not forget the attacking play that has been played throught the Academy & reserves over the years, something that was missing last season
It’s always hardest for wingers to progress. They tend to burst onto the screen then fade away as at first pure pace gets them through but opposition players learn how to handle them. He needs to add some to his game to progress