Conor Hourihane sparkled as Aston Villa comfortably beat Newcastle United at Villa Park. The Irishman was outstanding as Villa breezed past a poor Newcastle United outfit. The midfielder has worked his way up the leagues and is looking at home in the Premier League.
Conor Hourihane: The Irishman with a Wand of a Left Foot
The Irishman tormented Newcastle and Steve Bruce with his wicked deliveries from set-pieces. Hourihane scored a brilliant free-kick after Grealish’s touch gave him a better angle. He then whipped a delicious cross for Anwar El Ghazi to tap in the killer second. His deliveries into the box caused several problems for Newcastle and he is looking at home in the Premier League.
Hourihane has got to the Premier League the hard way. Playing in League Two with Plymouth Argyle before making a name for himself at Barnsley. Villa bought him for a bargain and he’s been an outstanding signing. He has played an integral role in the promotion season and adapting brilliantly to Premier League football.
He is very much the comeback king with Dean Smith dropping him for Villa’s recent games with Liverpool and Wolves. But the talismanic Irishman works his way back and firmly stakes his claim. His deliveries and passes are second to none, but his work ethic is nothing short of sensational. He regularly covered the gap when Jack Grealish ventured into the central areas.
He Can Be the Key Man in the Villa Midfield
Hourihane can become the key man in the Villa midfield. His deliveries from set-pieces, his work ethic and ability to be the typical box to box midfielder could be key for Aston Villa. He can find a goal as Norwich and Newcastle have found out. But his relationship with Jack Grealish and John McGinn is certainly something Dean Smith can explore further.
Since Grealish has moved further forward, the midfield three has been area Dean Smith has struggled to find a regular partnership. John McGinn has played every game. But the likes of Marvelous Nakamba, Douglas Luiz and Conor Hourihane have all rotated.
Hourihane could be the next man to stake a permanent place in the Villa team. His eye for a goal, a killer pass, deadly deliveries and high work rate make him an all-round midfielder. Dean Smith knows his abilities all too well. Certainly, his fantastic rise through English football has warranted him earning a regular place in the Villa team. Like Grealish, Hourihane optimises Dean Smith’s Aston Villa philosophy and a regular place in the Villa midfield is certainly his if he wants it.
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