Front Page Weimann's contract extension a real boost for Villa

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Much has been made over the future of a certain Aston Villa forward, with the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal linked with a move for in-form Belgian Christian Benteke. However, another attacker’s commitment to the club comes as a great boost to Paul Lambert’s men.

Andreas Weimann may well have been in Benteke’s shadow last season, but the Austrian attacker has started to impose himself on the Villa side and on the Premier League. His commitment to sign a new contract with the club is something that the club’s fans will be happy about, and should be viewed as a real plus for a team that has not had a lot to cheer about recently.

Whether Benteke stays at Villa Park or follows Unibet odds to pursue an opportunity elsewhere, Weimann’s role at the club is of importance

 

The current Villa squad is made up of predominantly younger players, full of potential but not yet at the height of their abilities. Of all the prospects, Weimann has been one of the most impressive, and looks like a confident and able player, despite his lack of big-time experience.

Should Benteke leave, Weimann has the speed, ability on the ball and eye for goal to assume the mantle of the club’s main striker. In an ideal world Benteke will stay, and Weimann can partner him in attack, or support him from deeper.

Benteke’s 19 goals in the Premier League played a considerable role in Villa avoiding the drop last term, and for the Birmingham-based club to avoid a similar perilous campaign in 2013-14, the Belgian must be helped with the goalscoring burden.

Weimann netted seven times for the club last season, including memorable goals at Anfield and the Emirates Stadium, and will look to build on this in the forthcoming campaign.

Villa have a number of prodigious talents on their hands, and it would not have been a surprise to see other Premier League clubs sniffing around Weimann, as well as Benteke, this summer. The Austrian’s decision to stay at the club is a real positive; hopefully his strike partner will follow suit in coming months.