Tommy Elphick - signed for Huddersfield

[Toronto Villa]

we need a Elphick type character in midfield now. I think the club knows this and are working to get someone in.

[supertom]

Nice to see people praising Baker - thought he had a very steady game.

He compliments Elphick well and to be honest CH's of Bakers build tend to do well in this division. I think Baker and Okore are capable enough to battle out for that starting role, and perhaps someone with a bit of potential can come in to replace Lescott when he goes.

[ASHTONVILLA]

Last couple of seasons when my 8 year old has asked me who my favourite current Villa player is, I have had to scratch my head and shrug my shoulders. Elphick is my new favourite player, just what we need.

[LukeJames]

we need a Elphick type character in midfield now. I think the club knows this and are working to get someone in.

Absolutely, Jedinak would be perfect for that role, a big loud motivational Aussie would be good for the likes of Westwood and Gardner too.

[LeeB]

Nice to see people praising Baker - thought he had a very steady game.

Thought Baker was sound, he looked a lot more confident with the ball at his feet too, whipping crisp first time balls out to the full backs in the second half.

I'd like to see him play with Elphick and a couple of decent full backs, we'd be fine.

[old man villa fan]

Nice to see people praising Baker - thought he had a very steady game.

Thought Baker was sound, he looked a lot more confident with the ball at his feet too, whipping crisp first time balls out to the full backs in the second half.

I'd like to see him play with Elphick and a couple of decent full backs, we'd be fine.

Still looks like bambi on ice to me.  Also, for someone of his height, he should be dominating in the air when we are defending balls coming into the area but time and again, he fails to get his head on the ball.  He may improve with games and confidence but I cannot see it.

[ozzjim]

Everything Elphick gives us is why I wanted Jedinak last summer and during the winter. Palace fans see him as a legend that dragged them up from the Championship through leadership and will, we need to get him while we have the chance.

[old man villa fan]

Everything Elphick gives us is why I wanted Jedinak last summer and during the winter. Palace fans see him as a legend that dragged them up from the Championship through leadership and will, we need to get him while we have the chance.

We need someone like him as we are desperately weak through the middle.

[SoccerHQ]

we need a Elphick type character in midfield now. I think the club knows this and are working to get someone in.

Jedinak would be perfect for that.

[passitsideways]

we need a Elphick type character in midfield now. I think the club knows this and are working to get someone in.

Jedinak would be perfect for that.

Yep, although we'd need someone who can get up and down the pitch to support the attack next to him - hopefully that will be Tshibola soon enough.

[KRS]

It's early days yet, but Elphick could easily become a Villa legend. We simply need more players like him that will put their neck on the line for the team and get stuck in.

Don't know much at all about Jedinak, but sounds like he could be one of the missing pieces to the midfield jigsaw.

[footyskillz]

Elphick was immense other day and despite his misplaced header -difficult to deal with the keeper slice kick - he showed real aptitude.  Gets his head in where it hurts and screams not only at players but the fans. Felt he should have scored from corner and lacks a bit of pace but makes up with leadership , passion and sensible play.  He's going to be a great assest amd really pleased hes been made captain .

[SoccerHQ]

we need a Elphick type character in midfield now. I think the club knows this and are working to get someone in.

Jedinak would be perfect for that.

Yep, although we'd need someone who can get up and down the pitch to support the attack next to him - hopefully that will be Tshibola soon enough.

Probably Ravel will do that as certainly seems strong links.

Where we constantly fall down in central midfield is we have no structure to it. Any good side will have a proper DM, then a box-to-box continuity player who can track runs and get forward and then a number 10 who can link with forwards and out wide and score some goals himself.

Take Sunday playing Westwood and Gardner. It's a waste of time as both are pretty slow and all they want to do is sit infront of back 4 and play little 5 yard passes sideways so it takes an age to get to the front players.

Best midfield in recent times we had was Westwood, Delph and Cleverley under Sherwood but even that had it's limitations as Cleverley was only one who looked like scoring.

Something like Tshibola, Jedinak and Ravel would be much better in terms of balance and quality. Could even play Morrison in middle two and maybe try Grealish or Ayew as number 10.

Edit: Until we sort central midfield out we won't be challenging for auto promotion in my view as we won't win enough games imo.

[PeterWithe]

I thought Elphick did OK, pretty solid when the ball was there to be won. Think he might struggle against fast players running at him down the channels, just hope there aren't too many players capable of exposing him. Can't fault his attitude mind.

[SoccerHQ]

I thought Elphick did OK, pretty solid when the ball was there to be won. Think he might struggle against fast players running at him down the channels, just hope there aren't too many players capable of exposing him. Can't fault his attitude mind.

That's my concern with him and Baker as a combo...fine against the physical and hooftball teams but yeah pace will be an issue.

Okore will probably come in for those games.