What Is Aston Villa’s Best Five-Aside Team?

Ollie Irish

28th, September 2010

15 Comments

By Chris Nee

Here’s my ideal Villa five-aside team:

BRAD FRIEDEL – There’s not too much choice for Villa in goal. Little Brad doesn’t get much of a chance, what with Big Brad’s amazing consecutive games record, so Friedel gets the nod. He’s still got good reactions so he’d be a colossus in such small goals.

CARLOS CUELLAR – Another easy choice. King Carlos’ main weakness at right back was keeping the ball on the pitch, something he wouldn’t have to be concerned with in the short-sided game. He’s arguably Villa’s best combined game-reader and tackler ahead of Richard Dunne and James Collins who rely on their last-ditch tackling to get them by – not much use when no sliding is allowed.

STILIYAN PETROV – Stan’s biggest assets are his control in tight spots, his cunning and the ability to know when ‘contact’ becomes ‘foul’ and make damned sure he gets the free kick. Perfect anchor for a five-a-side team that would otherwise have included Gabriel Agbonlahor and been as fast as lightning but a tad spineless.

MARC ALBRIGHTON – Hard work is a virtue, and nowhere more so than on a tiny football pitch. Albrighton’s made a bit of a splash so far this season but Villa fans have known about him for ages. Of his many attributes, it is his industry that gives him the edge over Stephen Ireland here.

ASHLEY YOUNG – My first thought was to include a natural goalscorer, which I believe is crucial to any five-a-side team. Then I realised Villa don’t have one, and that as well as being the most skillful and the quickest player in this team, Young would be a serious threat to the opposition goal.

Chris is an ardent Villa fan and the man behind the superb twofootedtackle.com

Agree/disagree with Mr Nee’s selection? Let’s see what you’ve got…

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