Delph

[Ad@m]

He did well yesterday, no doubt.  But let's not kid ourselves - he's still only starting to look solid in what is still a relegation-threatened team.  I don't think he's any better than a bottom of the Prem/Championship player and if we're looking to progress next year we should be looking to a midfield without him.

[eastie]

He did well yesterday, no doubt.  But let's not kid ourselves - he's still only starting to look solid in what is still a relegation-threatened team.  I still don't think he's any better than a bottom of the Prem/Championship player and if we're looking to progress next year we should be looking to a midfield without him.

I think he's been plagued by injury , having finally got himself fit and a run in the team he looks a decent player- i would be happy to keep him.

[Ad@m]

We've also got to bear in mind he cost us £6m.  It's not like he's come through the youth ranks and cost us nothing.

[PaulWinch again]

Sounds like Westwood and Delph were a good combo, great to hear.

[The Left Side]

Sounds like Westwood and Delph were a good combo, great to hear.

They looked good together, when is Delph's contract up?

[danno]

Sounds like Westwood and Delph were a good combo, great to hear.

They looked good together, when is Delph's contract up?

I know that he definitely signed a new deal under Houllier.

just looked it up, its up to 2015.

[Mortimer's Bear]

A few months ago he was one of the many players branded by many on here as not up to Premiership standard, just goes to show what a decent run of form can do.

I hope he continues to improve as I reckon he could be pivotal next season.

[not3bad]

He did well yesterday, no doubt.  But let's not kid ourselves - he's still only starting to look solid in what is still a relegation-threatened team.  I don't think he's any better than a bottom of the Prem/Championship player and if we're looking to progress next year we should be looking to a midfield without him.

Delph's finally coming into his own and proving those who dismissed him so easily wrong.  So now you invent another level of dismissal?  I'd rather see him complete his development, which has not yet happened.  You are correct he was purchased for £6 million, and he was not purchased to play in a "bottom of the table" team.

[neo_Villan]

he's only picked him there once - against Everton - and he was completely anonymous.

Unfair that. He was played out wide against Everton. When the team-sheet was revealed that day, everybody assumed that Herd was picked to counter Fellaini. Instead that job was shockingly left to Wee Bannan. TBH that team selection was one of the strangest I ever seen by a Villa manager.

[adrenachrome]

He did well yesterday, no doubt.  But let's not kid ourselves - he's still only starting to look solid in what is still a relegation-threatened team.  I don't think he's any better than a bottom of the Prem/Championship player and if we're looking to progress next year we should be looking to a midfield without him.

Delph's finally coming into his own and proving those who dismissed him so easily wrong.  So now you invent another level of dismissal?  I'd rather see him complete his development, which has not yet happened.  You are correct he was purchased for £6 million, and he was not purchased to play in a "bottom of the table" team.

I am in full agreement with you not3bad, and more importantly so is PL by the look of things.

[supertom]

For me Westwood is the key. He seems to gel with whoever partners him. He's always there for the ball. Always available. Bannan clicks pretty well with Westy too, though he's still inconsistent.
Delph has really been excellent though. The stats for both Delph and Westwood show that they rarely waste the ball.

What we do need to see more from Delph now is a goal threat. He was more attack minded at Leeds and known for being able to spank a shot in from distance. I'd like to see more driving runs from midfield, using his pace.

For me he's good enough. I was not convinced in the slightest before this season but fair play to Delph, he's finally had a good run in the side and he's settled now.

[eastie]

For me Westwood is the key. He seems to gel with whoever partners him. He's always there for the ball. Always available. Bannan clicks pretty well with Westy too, though he's still inconsistent.
Delph has really been excellent though. The stats for both Delph and Westwood show that they rarely waste the ball.

What we do need to see more from Delph now is a goal threat. He was more attack minded at Leeds and known for being able to spank a shot in from distance. I'd like to see more driving runs from midfield, using his pace.

For me he's good enough. I was not convinced in the slightest before this season but fair play to Delph, he's finally had a good run in the side and he's settled now.

Totally agree, I think sylla complements them both nicely too.

[neo_Villan]

Agree with Ad@m to an extent. A short while ago, there was a consensus that this was one of the worst Villa squads ever. That hasn't suddenly changed because we have won a few games. There is no sentimentality in football. If we stay up, then there needs to be a major restructuring of the squad to ensure we can progress.

[Dante Lavelli]

Agree with Ad@m to an extent. A short while ago, there was a consensus that this was one of the worst Villa squads ever. That hasn't suddenly changed because we have won a few games. There is no sentimentality in football. If we stay up, then there needs to be a major restructuring of the squad to ensure we can progress.

It was/is a poor squad but due to the players' ages they're likely to improve as they get more experience.  Bennet in particular looks like a kid. 

[eastie]

Agree with Ad@m to an extent. A short while ago, there was a consensus that this was one of the worst Villa squads ever. That hasn't suddenly changed because we have won a few games. There is no sentimentality in football. If we stay up, then there needs to be a major restructuring of the squad to ensure we can progress.

Lambert has now finally found a formation that works and suits the players , with the confidence and new system of play they look much better - a major restructuring is not needed - a bit of pruning and three of four experienced heads will add a lot - Gardner will be like a new signing and we have promising young lads on the fringe.