Ciaran Clark - now gone

[OCD]

The defensive coach (ex-Arsenal player that played under George Graham) that we brought in during the summer seems to be doing a very good job.

[Hoppo]

Scott Marshall is the defensive coach bit of a journeyman but played under George Graham at his finest.

[ozzjim]

The defensive coach (ex-Arsenal player that played under George Graham) that we brought in during the summer seems to be doing a very good job.

That is a pretty decent shout. Going forward we are less of a threat, IMO, due to being unable to pick a settled side due to constant injury issues, defensively we have been much, much better so far.

[Irish villain]

If people think Clark already is a key player, then that really is some turnaround for a player many were writing off just six months ago.

Well done Ciaran.

[jeowje]

For me, last year Clark seemed the epitome of our defensive frailty and was starting to become a bit of a scapegoat (we've always loved our scapegoats at the Villa), but has really gotten back on track. Full marks, proved me wrong so far. Looks solid and assured, and i would think the vast majority would prefer him now to Baker.

[supertom]

If people think Clark already is a key player, then that really is some turnaround for a player many were writing off just six months ago.

Well done Ciaran.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that a fair few on here at all but written Clarky off. He'd been put down by a lot as 4th choice CB, in some cases even further down the pecking order. In the summer I wouldn't have been upset to see him go, but now I'm glad he's finally fulfilling his potential.
It's been as simple as him just staying focused in games and not switching off, whilst the much improved form of Concrete Ron has also helped him immensely.

[Dante Lavelli]

I hope this doesn't sound too "I told you so" but just being patient is paying dividends for a number of players.  Clark looks a half decent centre back.  Bacuna has shown that he is a capable deputy at right back (and possibly more).  Whereas in the summer these were understandably must fill positions.

Whilst it will not always be this way, as a club and particularly as fans we need to buy into this philosophy, for it to have a chance of working (albeit the club could make it easier on us by sending more players out on loan).

[Damo70]

Quite simply, Vlaar, Clark and Baker have all improved individually and as a unit from last season. As has already been pointed out, a big problem last season was not being able to replace players who were out of form and confidence. I like Bacuna as a defender, but I think his attacking threat will soon see him moving forward and Lowton coming back. I think there is still a question mark at left back but I think Luna will eventually look good in that position.

[LeeB]

I think the question marks over our full backs defensively are more of a result of the style we play than their own lack of ability.

I think we leave them exposed at times, and most full backs will grow up having a player directly in front of them to work with, so a period of adjustment is probably needed for new signings.

That said Bacuna's picked it up from the off, and I've high hopes for Luna too, and as for Clark, I'd pretty much written him off so I'm delighted to say he looks like he's ramming the words down my throat.

[Clampy]

Quite simply, Vlaar, Clark and Baker have all improved individually and as a unit from last season.

Absolutely. I've never been a big fan of Clark as a defender but he's been really good this season. They were not bad defenders last season really, they just found it tough going bearing in mind three of them were playing in the Prem for the first time.

[Dave Cooper please]

I picked Clark as my "most important player" for last season. I may have got it wrong by a year but I'm convinced that he will be a superb player for us. He just looks the part, and I reckon a big part of his poor form last year was the knock his confidence must have taken when we were shipping all those goals.

[paul_e]

I picked Clark as my "most important player" for last season. I may have got it wrong by a year but I'm convinced that he will be a superb player for us. He just looks the part, and I reckon a big part of his poor form last year was the knock his confidence must have taken when we were shipping all those goals.

The last sentence should end with '"whilst he was captain."

He was put through the grinder last winter and had a very tough time of it and I think the pressure told.  The forced break when he picked up his injury was very much needed mentally to see if he could learn from the experience and, so far, it appears he did.  I think he's been our best defender this season and I never understood the calls for him to be sold or the opinion that Baker is the better player, Clark could easily go on to be a very good premier league defender for the next 10years.

[eastie]

Vlaar , Clark and baker all look much improved this season - add in okore and we have central defence pretty well covered long term I would think - for me there is little to choose between Clark and baker - both developing nicely.

[OCD]

For me, Clark is a far better centre back than Baker. On this season's form anyway - last season I would have said Clark was the better footballer but Baker the better defender.

I think Vlaar, Clark and Okore are our long-term centre backs. There's a question mark over Baker in regards to the long-term. If all 4 were fit, he would be struggling to get into the side.

[not3bad]

Inuries and suspensions are a pretty regular occurence though, and then there's (hopefully) cup runs and European football.