Youngest side in the Premiership, Guzan highest ranked in Europe and more

It’s quiet, there isn’t really much to talk about regarding the Villa so I thought I’d have another look at the AVFC Stats page on twitter that we mentioned yesterday, and there have been a few really interesting snippets pop up.

Starting with what’s featured in the title, and it’s a stat that really excites me:

‘The average age of Villa’s outfielders in the Premier League this season is younger than that of any other side (24.6)’

It’s refreshing to see certainly, and it really adds a level of excitement having such a young team. I wanted to see the old guard replaced, and while I admit I would have liked to have seen us bring in a bit more experience in the transfer window, ultimately if they’re good enough, they’re old enough. It’s early days admittedly, and if we lose against Swansea then the mood around Villa will be massively different to the positivity we’re experiencing at the moment, but still, it’s hard not be optimistic for the future, especially after the dross served up last year.

I like the fact that we don’t know a lot about a number of players, and I’ve already seen a number of Villans talking about watching Belgium tomorrow to hopefully see Benteke in action. As a Welshman I hope he scores a hat-trick, but we win 4-3! In all seriousness though this is a great match for him to be involved in, and in Williams and potentially Collins he’ll be playing against two proven Premiership defenders. Another one I’m really intrigued about is Ashley Westwood, can’t wait to see what he’s about.

Back to the stats now, and this one regarding Guzan also caught my eye:

‘Brad Guzan made 8 successful high claims from crosses vs Newcastle. Prior to that the most by a PL keeper in a single game this season was 4′

‘Guzan’s 8 high claims vs Newcastle is also the highest of any keeper in Europe’s top 5 leagues in a single game’

It was refreshing to see Guzan come in against Newcastle, and fair play to Lambert for making the decision. When we re-signed Guzan I still couldn’t see him coming in for Premiership games, but credit Lambert for making the right call. Given is having a tough time admittedly, and while it’s somewhat galling to see him sit on the bench with his massive wages, you have to go with the form player.

The stat is interesting because this particular area is one where many feel Given really struggles. To see Guzan dominate in this manner is particularly encouraging, and I also loved how vocal he was throughout.

A few more for you, and the first concerns Nathan Baker, a player who has impressed me so far this season:

‘Of players to have competed in at least 10 aerial duels this season Villa’s Nathan Baker has the best aerial success rate in the PL (94%)’

Very encouraging stuff, and he certainly has the feel of a no-nonsense ‘old school’ defender about him. For all the talk of this new passing philosophy, it’s nice to have players who can come in and be dominant in the air and in more traditional ways.

Lastly is a comparison between Ireland and Bannan, and I think it makes for really interesting reading:

‘Bannan vs Ireland (overall league stats for Villa): Apps 43 – 36, Assists 4 – 3, Key Passes 49 – 28′

These two often cause many Villa related discussions and debate, so nice to see a little comparison. Anyway apologies for the stats overload at the minute, but it is a quiet time!

UTV.