A £2million deal to bring former England international Joleon Lescott to Villa Park could prove to be one of Tim Sherwood’s most important summer signings. Signing from West Bromwich Albion, Lescott will bolster a largely inexperienced defence which has lost Holland international Ron Vlaar at the end of his contract in July and still has former Arsenal and AC Milan stopper Phillipe Senderos on the sidelines.
Aston Villa have looked rather shaky in defence having conceded five goals in their first four games. Whilst the number of goals isn’t too alarming, the manner in which the goals have been conceded have meant the club is crying out for some experience and consistency at the back.
Joleon Lescott has struggled to start games for West Brom this season, having only made two appearances in the first four games, but much of that could be because his transfer to Villa Park has been imminent. With 26 England appearances and two Premier League medals, he could be the quality needed to sure up the Villa defence alongside Micah Richards and talented left-back Jordan Amavi.
Despite being Albion’s ‘Fans’ Player of The Year’ last season, the arrival of Jonny Evans pushed Lescott out the door. At 33, he’ll want to be playing as much as he can – and his sale is not to say he didn’t perform well for The Albion.
The former Everton and Manchester City defender may also be an option at left-back for Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood, who has only Kieron Richardson and Joe Bennett in reserve for French U-21 International Jordan Amavi. Lescott put in a very professional performance against Stoke City this past weekend for West Bromwich Albion on the left side of defence – putting in the sort of performance you’d expect from a veteran despite his lack of pace.
Aston Villa have shown signs of talent defensively, and with a more solid midfield including new signing Idrissa Gueye, Carlos Sanchez and Ashley Westwood – there has been less pressure piled onto the backline. Despite this, silly errors are still being made particularly from Ciaran Clark and the talented but inexperienced full-backs.
Whilst he is adored by many Villa fans having come through their youth ranks, Clark has struggled to establish himself as a top Premier League defender and won’t be solid enough for an improving side. He makes a lot of great stops and is good with the ball at his feet, but he’s lacked the sort of focus a player in the ilk of Joleon Lescott will bring.
Alongside Micah Richards, Lescott could be the formula Villa need to finally be comfortable defensively. With Nathan Baker having been loaned out to Bristol City today, it is expected he’ll be a regular starter – with Ciaran Clark and currently injured Jores Okore in reserve.
Lescott is a terrific blocker and will be a good defender for Villa to have when they’re playing on the front foot; he very rarely makes mistakes and has had a 90% pass completion record so far this season. The real winner for Villa is that they will lose the goals conceded from silly errors. However, there is a chance he may struggle, having only won one aerial duel in the two games he’s played so far this season.
At the price Villa have paid, he is a low risk signing who could rescue a large number of points. His acquisition would add to the step forward in class largely influenced by Tim Sherwood and Hendrick Almstadt, from the largely inexperienced side that was close to exiting the top flight last season.
