Aston Villa have won a very impressive six games on the bounce in the Championship. Villa should look closely at this winning formula and reward those players involved. More so, if we are to have another season in the Championship. I wrote about Tyrone Mings and Tammy Abrahams in a previous article but one player who seems to creep under the radar is Glenn Whelan.
Over the past 6-8 weeks, Whelan has been a vital part of the cog at Aston Villa. It looks like the second coming of Sergio Busquets! Conor Hourihane has had to settle for a position on the bench after he missed a game due to the birth of his first child.
Calmness and composure are just what Villa needed. Whelan brings this and keeps those players around him focused and makes sure they don’t lose their heads. The Ireland international offers this by the bucket load. The amount of times Whelan has got the side out of jail could prove to be priceless. Although he keeps things simple, he always looked to pick out a good pass and get Villa on their way again.
It is hard to see how Dean Smith can drop his midfielder.
Whelan’s contract
Whelan’s contract comes to an end at the end of the season. The new board and backroom staff have made no secret about their plans for the future. They want to introduce young, determined and fresh players. So where does this leave Whelan?
I personally believe that 35-year-old has earned a new contract at Villa Park. Even if it is a short term deal, his experience could prove priceless if we do manage to bring through a lot of younger players.
He would be able to step in as and when required and we know exactly what we would be getting from him.
We’ve seen him cover for the likes of Hourihane when he has been unable to play and he can still do a job for a full 90 minutes when called upon, even at the age of 35.
Other options
As I have already touched upon, Hourihane is waiting in the wings to get a chance. Bjarnason is another. The Icelandic midfielder hasn’t had the best of times since signing for Villa but seems eager to prove himself.
Whelan also offers something different from what John McGinn and Jack Grealish offer Villa. Even if Whelan is only a squad player moving forward, it could prove a good piece of business from Smith.
Whelan, in my opinion, is fully deserving of a new contract at Villa Park based on this season’s performances. Do you think he should put pen to paper and stay at Villa for at least another season? Have your say in the comments section below.
UTV.
1 Comment
Absolutely not, he has played recently admittedly but ultimately if we go up this year is not necessary and most importantly not good enoughto be playing for us in the Premier league. If he was younger maybe but at 35 absolutely no chance in my opinion.