Its all in the mind

Defence isnt that bad if you count the amount of possession we allow the opposition. The biggest problem area for me is that the midfield just cant control the game or keep the ball. Most times Vlaar, who likes to pass the ball has no outlet. The worry is that Okore likes to pass the ball too and unless we get a good anchorman I can see the same problems happening this coming season.

The squad we have isnt as a bad as many think. The problem lies with the formation and where players are playing, for example, Weimann, Kozak, Helenius, Benteke & Gabby are all strikers/finishers not wide players. And playing Gabby/Weimann in wider positions is basically cutting off a supply line for the finisher. A front line of N'Zogbia, Benteke, Albrighton would have been far more effective than a front line of Gabby, Benteke, Weimann. Purely because N'Zogbia and Albrighton can create, cross, dribble etc. Meaning Beneteke would be far more effective. The other issue we have is keeping the ball as a team. The midfield because we play 3 strikers is starved in every game. Lose the midfield battle and you very likely lose the game. All the top European sides only play with one recognised striker & the game becomes a midfield battle. Joe Cole is a good signing but how often will he get the ball? We cannot keep it in the middle as we dont have the players. Who is our strong midfield anchorman? Again we dont have one. In short our Goalkeeper, defence and attack is all good enough - but midfield is in desperate need of quality ball players/anchormen!

Not sure what Vlaar should do this Summer - stay at Villa where he is a big fish in a small pond, guaranteed 1st team place/captain and has a good report. Or sign for another club where he may have tougher competition for a starting place.

I cant believe we will sign anyone unless its a free transfer. Even if we sold Vlaar I cant see any of the money being re-invested.

Hi all, Looking forward to some Villa conversations over the coming season. Been a Villa fan all my life, its in our blood as a long line family thing. I used to be a season ticket holder but with time/work I can no longer attend all the games. I still go as often as a can, you will find me in the Trinity Road stand with all the older fans mumbling and groaning.