" Villa’s firepower: With the new season upon us, the look back at the final stats for last season highlights where we need to improve. Without stating the obvious – our defending and goals conceded need to improve – the goals must be shared around too. Christian Benteke scored an impressive 19 in his debut season, but the goals from midfield and defence were at a very low rate. Matthew Lowton, Ron Vlaar and Charles N`Zogbia all hit the net two times, but other than the strikers that was the most any player scored. Premier League Goals 2012-13: 19 - Benteke 9 - Agbonlahor 7 - Weimann 3 – Bent 2 - Vlaar, Lowton, N`Zogbia 1 - Clark, Holman, El Ahmadi This summer – We have added Tonev, Bacuna (pictured) and Helenius who can hopefully chip in with a few goals. And the early signs are promising, with Helenius netting two in pre-season thus far and Bacuna hitting a thunderbolt against Crewe. With Benteke featuring in 34 league games last term, we were fortunate he stayed injury free, and as much as we hope this remains the case this year, without adding to goals across the park, we will find it hard not to move on to the next level. Gary Gardner, who looks like he will get opportunities this season, has a good track record at reserve and youth level , but it is likely he won`t feature from the start, with Westwood, Delph and Sylla likely to be chosen ahead of him. There is a chance that we may still add to the midfield/winger roles if we can get rid of the likes of Stephen Ireland, Darren Bent and Barry Bannan, with fans and former player Paul Merson calling for an attacking midfielder. A number 10 style of player is something Villa have been lacking for a while, and although Tonev and Bacuna have potential to play that role, it is likely at times they will be deployed wider. Younes Belhanda and Hiroshi Kiyotake are two names who have been linked over the summer, and both can play in the number 10 role. However, Belhanda has now gone to Dynamo Kiev and any possibility of Kiyotake joining look slim until we have a departure or two. One thing for sure is that everybody is looking forward to the 2013-14 season, with a clearer idea of the way the powers that be want the club to move forward, and there is a great sense of optimism despite our very tough start to the campaign. "
Posted on: Thu, 01 Aug 2013 05:41:35 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015