Will N’Zogbia’s Return Prove To Be Key?

Paul Lambert insists that Charles N’Zogbia is still in his plans after being on the sidelines since June of last year, when he ruptured his Achilles tendon while on holiday in America.

The gaffer is expecting him to play a part in the Villa squad this season, which may come as a shock to many fans – including myself – who believed he had been thrown into Villa’s ‘bomb squad’ when his number ten shirt was taken. He does not currently have a squad number and he has even been removed from Villa’s official match-day programme.

Lambert has stressed that this has nothing to do with N’Zogbia being surplus to requirements at the club, stating that people are “looking at something that’s not there”. He added, “You would think he would play before the end of the season, yes.”

However, will the return of the N’Zogbia prove to be beneficial?

Despite N’Zogbia’s disappointing run in a claret and blue shirt since joining Aston Villa for £9.5 million from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2011, only scoring five goals for the club, I believe that N’Zogbia could be a vital addition to a team that is crying out for a player with creativity after failing to recruit a number ten style play-maker in January.

N’Zogbia is perfectly capable of being that player: despite the criticisms that have been thrown his way, there is something I believe the Frenchmen still needs to prove to the club when he returns to action.

With Lambert stressing that he “needs him fit”, I believe that the manager also recognises that N’Zogbia can add that extra bit of creativity and experience to a side which has struggled with the inventive style of play.

N’Zogbia is pacey, with the capacity to dribble around players, put in a decent ball and score the odd goal, which could prove to be vital come the end of the season. Players with those abilities are needed in every squad in the Premier League and I believe people should think twice if they consider he does not deserve another crack in the Villa squad. I am glad that Lambert seems to be preparing to give him another chance.

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3 comments

  1. The problem is this. We are very inconsistent at the moment. N’Zogbia while occasionally brilliant is the model of inconsistency. No doubting his ability but will he help things now? Truth is no one knows but while we’re paying his wages he has to be given a chance once he’s match fit.

  2. I think his experience is the key attribute he can bring to the team, just as long as he gets his work ethic right!

  3. I believe he could be the difference of one place or so. Really good points made, couldn’t agree more. PL needs to give him his chance when fully fit, which hopefully he will.

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