Jores Okore

[RussellC]

I said it on another thread, but he reminds me of Marcel Desailly in terms of his physique and style.

[richtheholtender]

I think he has a lot of talent. We should be looking to tie this guy down before he enters the final year of his contract, but we wont.

[PaulWinch again]

He looks a class act and he should be a guaranteed starter now. He offers the pace and physicality that our defence needs.

[David_Nab]

Starting to see why Chelsea were interested in him.Very good on the ball and plays some decent pass's into midfield.

[PeterWithesShin]

I think he has a lot of talent. We should be looking to tie this guy down before he enters the final year of his contract, but we wont.

With two and a half years to go on his contract I wouldn't start panicking yet.

[Lee]

Been very impressed with him (and Clark for that matter) recently. He's still learning, but if he carries on the way that he is, we have a player on our hands.

[DrGonzo]

Stuart James (Grauniad) credited him as man of the match.

[BoskoDjembaSalifou]

I think he struggled with their long ball style at times, but he was fine apart from that. Would like to see more from him.

[The Left Side]

No reason to drop him or Clark at the moment.

[LeeB]

No reason to drop him or Clark at the moment.

Indeed.

I don't think it's any coincedence our possession stats have gone up with them both in the team.

[Ian.]

No reason to drop him or Clark at the moment.

Indeed.

I don't think it's any coincedence our possession stats have gone up with them both in the team.

That's a good point, they are both good on the ball. Baker and Bik Phil have been excellent too when called upon but neither of them are great passers of the ball.

[dcdavecollett]

He, Sanchez and Benteke suggest that when PL is allowed to spend decent amounts of money -nowhere near the fees that M'ON spent -that he is a real spotter of talent.

[not3bad]

He, Sanchez and Benteke suggest that when PL is allowed to spend decent amounts of money -nowhere near the fees that M'ON spent -that he is a real spotter of talent.

Clarke as a coach and Lambert as a scout might be a pretty good combination, if the gossip was anything like true.

[adrenachrome]

Birmingham Mail

Aston Villa: Jores Okore tells Gregg Evans there is much more to come from him

In-from defender says there is still a lot more he can give to Aston Villa

Dec 09, 2014 12:30   By Gregg Evans

In-form Aston Villa defender Jores Okore has passionately roared: “There’s much more to come from me.”

The centre-half is enjoying his first run in the side since signing from FC Nordsjælland in June 2013.

Okore has played the last four games alongside Ciaran Clark and apart from giving away a late penalty in the 1-1 draw with Burnley, his performances have earned him plenty of plaudits.

In an honest discussion about his displays the 22-year-old told the Birmingham Mail that he’s not yet fully satisfied with his return, though, and insists he wants to add more.

“I think I have done alright but there is still a lot more that I can give,” he said.

“It’s very early for me because the game against Leicester was only my seventh Premier League game.

“I need to get used to the league still.

“When I do, I know that I can bring a lot more to the team.

“My focus now is just to keep getting better.

“When I have more games I will feel like I can perform better.”

Okore’s chance has only came about because of injuries to captain Ron Vlaar, Philippe Senderos and Nathan Baker.

A knee injury ruled him out of almost the entire campaign last term and when he returned to fitness this season he was overlooked by manager Paul Lambert.

With three centre halves sidelined, Lambert has had no choice but to play the 22-year-old next to Clark for the past four league games.

Villa are unbeaten during that period and the pair have made a serious claim to retain their starting berths even when the injured trio return.

“My goal when I came to Villa was to get into the starting XI and now I’m there I want to stay there,” added Okore.

“I’m very determined.

“I think I have become a better player during my time here.

“Mentally it has been tough but I have learned from it.

“My injuries have taught me things and now I am stronger.

“I now work harder on and off the pitch.

“I’m better than when I first came even though I haven’t had a lot of game time.”

[ozzjim]

I agree with the point above re his contract. We should be making sure the likes of Okore are tied down, as it will cost us badly if we don't.