Aston Villa and England winger Ashley Young’s optimum playing position has been debated fervently in recent weeks. Former manager Martin O’Neill used the right-footed winger on the left flank and even once described him as, “world class.” At 25-years old it may seem peculiar to have your regular playing position scrutinised. Yet both caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald and now permanent boss Gerard Houllier have experimented with the speedy Young. Given licence to roam can Young become an enduring fixture in the England squad and “make his name,” as Houllier has suggested?
MacDonald gave Young the freedom to oscillate between both wings in the early stages of the season and Houllier has stated that the player can excel as a second striker. O’Neill had argued that Young could compete with some of the best wingers in Europe. When quizzed on that assertion the new manager said, “As a left winger? No. He can play on the wing. Whether he can be one of the best in the world in that position … I think he can be one of the best in another position.” Evidently for the Frenchman that new role is behind a main striker where he can create chances and score more regularly for Villa. His view is not merely based on instinct as he witnessed the impact made by Young after switching positions in their Carling Cup victory over Blackburn. Trailing to Gael Givet’s first half strike, a change of tactics ensued as the England international was moved inside to support Emile Heskey. The two combined well, Young scoring two after the former international forward grabbed the equaliser.
Aston Villa’s No7 was granted an identical role just behind the resurgent Heskey in their weekend away win at Molineaux. But as an experienced winger, those wide man traits may be hard to desert as he invariably drifted to either wing which is where he attempted the bulk of his passes. Could the club miss his quick, direct approach on the wing? Accolades such as the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2008/09 season were received after impressing in that berth. He has been at his best when tormenting lackadaisical full backs such as, Arsenal’s Gael Clichy last season, managing to wriggle free and deliver numerous crosses. However earlier this year Young said of his markers, “At times this season teams have doubled up or even tripled up.”
Houllier believes the midfielder has a natural intelligence and awareness on the pitch and is composed in front of goal. This may point to a central role which would give him and the team a much needed air of unpredictability. Having placed a huge emphasis on pace, crossing and strong forwards, this is a trait the club have lacked, occasionally struggling to destabilise defences. Following James Milner’s departure there is arguably a dearth of creative talent in the centre and the team were outscored by their rivals for fourth place last season. Villa’s total goal tally was 52 whilst Manchester City registered 73, Tottenham 67 and Liverpool 61. Promising youngsters such as Marc Albrighton and Barry Bannan can take the place vacated by Young.
Since taking charge, however, Houllier has not had Stephen Ireland available who will be expected to compete for a central creative position. Young may have the attributes to succeed in that role but his redeployment is arguably about team rather than individual improvement. The former Liverpool manager said, “He can be a star as a team player. It’s his work rate and attitude that can improve the rest of the team.”
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