Top Villan of 2008?

[Rocafella]

Gabriel Agbonlahor has really stepped up, Martin Laursen solid as ever, Ashley Young doing some fine stuff and then we have Stiliyan Petrov who has also done quite well.

1. Gabby (Important goals and great composure - we aren't missing Carew - just look at our recent form)

2. Laursen (Gives the kind of stature to our defensive unit that only top players like Rio and Terry could do)

3. Young (Our best player if you ask me and is only getting better - although his crossing has been variable)

4. Petrov (Though someone should point out that he is starting to be massively overhyped by some on here. He does his job simple and quietly, but it's not the hardest job)

Then a mention to Gareth Barry and Brad Friedel who have been solid - although not living up to their full potential

[dont_do_it_doug.]

4. Petrov (Though someone should point out that he is starting to be massively overhyped by some on here. He does his job simple and quietly, but it's not the hardest job)

Not really the thread for this, but I tend to agree. He does keep things very simple, which is exactly what we want him to do. Though having said that, I don't think there is anyone else in the squad (perhaps Barry?) who could fulfil his role.

[villab0y]

Calendar year: Young

This season so far: Petrov

Yep, same here..

I voted for Ashley cause I think for the whole of 2008 he has had more impact.

[billy_loes]

Gareth Barry. Would you have anyone else take that penalty against Le arse?

[bickster]

Calendar year: Young

This season so far: Petrov

Yup

[BOF]

Clearly a 2 horse race emerging between our 2 best players.

[blandy]

Martin Laursen for me. But there are a whole bunch of players who might just as easily be picked.

Stan Petrov, Gabby and Ashley and also GB who has played as well as them, but his behaviour for a brief period in the summer rules him out.

[CVByrne]

This thread is a joke. No Petrov in the voting. Pointless poll so it is.

[sellyoakvilla]

Petrov due to the fact that he has improved so much

[snowychap]

Calendar year: Young

This season so far: Petrov

Chalk up another for that.

Most improved player: Gabby.

[kurtsimonw]

Ashley Young for me, he's scored 13 goals in the year of 2008, not too bad at all, and I'm sure he's probably gone over 20 assists qiute comfortabley. Laursen, Petrov and Gabby are worthy of a mention though.

[CVByrne]

4. Petrov (Though someone should point out that he is starting to be massively overhyped by some on here. He does his job simple and quietly, but it's not the hardest job)

He does a thankless job. He is excellent at spreading the ball, great at tackling and breaking up play and is more consistent than any other player bar L. Young and Laursen. He has be exceptional and is our best player this season if you ask me. Not once has he made a mistake that lead to a goal unluck Reo-Coker playing the same role last season.

[smolejaboy]

na na na na na na na na na, Ashley Ashley Young, Ashley Young, Ashley Ashley Young!

Laursen and Gabby both close seconds.

[fran_villa]

Ash for me,the lad has been unreal for us..

[Designer1]

Laursen. The best defender we have had since God.

[flashingqwerty]

surprised no votes for bouma as util his injury i thought he was having a great year

no surprises that its between ash and laursen tho

just of note BOF was meant to put petrov into the poll not quite sure why he left him out

[Mozzavfc]

Petrov

his form has been immense

[Gavin@villatalk]

will be easy for me to say Ashley or Gabby.. so I'm going to say Petrov

his had a awesome year

[privateer]

Another for Petrov. He has been consistently excellent in the way he has kept the team ticking.

I'd probably give it to him apart from that just for him effectively getting that POS Ronaldo substituted with THAT tackle!

[DevonIsAPlaceOnEarth]

Went for Ashley, but would have gone MON or Randy if I could have.

On reflection I think this has been the best year to be a villain for decades