Pick Your Poison - Aston Villa

The Challenge

Pick 3 players you believe have left your club and gone on to bigger/better things and you want back at your club. Then make a choice between the 3 players as to which you'd take back in the current squad. Judge all players on the time of their sale, not currently.

The Challenger
Elizabeth Steadman, 18, Birmingham

Player 1

James Milner - Midfielder
Sept 05 - Aug 06 & Aug 08 - Aug 10

"After impressing during a loan spell in 2005-06, Villa signed the highly rated midfielder in the summer of 2008. Although mainly regarded as a wide player, James Milner arguably played his best football in his short time at Aston Villa in the centre of midfield. 110% was the least you could ask from James Milner, a player who worked hard for 90 minutes week in, week out whichever position he may be asked to play in. During his two year spell at Villa Park he made 73 appearances in which he scored 11 goals, he played twice at Wembley, featuring in a Carling Cup final and an FA Cup semi-final. Though unlucky to win any silverware he did win PFA Young Player of the year, and also made it into "team of the year"."

James Milner was a key member of the Aston Villa side that saw them claim 6th place for 2 consecutive years. Although he was known as a wide player when he signed, he was excellent when converted into a central midfielder after Gareth Barry's departure. He was influential throughout his time at the club and moved to Manchester City in order to look for trophies/success. He got that in his first season in Manchester, winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the Champions League.

Player 2

Kyle Walker - Right Back
2011 (LOAN)

"Despite only being a Villa player through a loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the 2010-11 season, it didn't take right-back Kyle Walker long to impress the Villa faithful; scoring a screamer 9 minutes into his debut on his return to former club Sheffield United in the FA Cup. Walker then continued to impress during his time at Villa Park. Although there was no doubt he was a force going forward, his defensive ability was often flawed, although at 20 years old this is something he could work on. Villa fans had hopes of signing him permanently in the summer transfer window but these hopes were dashed when he signed a 5 year deal when returning to Spurs."

Kyle Walker has showed tremendous ability in the last 18 months but he really caught everyone's attention while at Aston Villa. He started last season on loan at QPR and helped push them to the top of the Championship, before moving to Villa Park and showing his true potential. He put in some excellent performances for Villa and chucked his name into the hat for the Euro 2012 squad. This season he has been Spurs' first choice right back and even earned his first England caps in the recent friendlies against Spain and Sweden. 

Player 3
Ashley Young - Winger
January 2007 - July 2011

"Ashley Young spent 4 good years at Villa Park, so it was no surprise when Manchester United came knocking in the summer of 2011. Ashley Young is known for his pace, set pieces, and mastered crosses in the box. He made 157 appearances for Aston Villa and scored 30 goals, many of these direct free-kicks and towards the end of his Villa career, penalties. Despite playing in a wide position at Manchester United, Young was also effective in the role behind the striker during his time at Aston Villa, building a good relationship with star striker Darren Bent, he continues to do so for the English National Team."

Ashley Young started as a centre forward at Watford and showed great potential there. He was signed for  £9.75M (a club record fee at the time) and became a fan favourite. He soon converted into a winger and began hassling full-backs across the country with his phenomenal pace and excellent crossing ability. He spent a long time at Villa Park and began entering the fringes of the England squad. He was on the verge of breaking through into the line up before he signed for Manchester United in the summer and has since become a regular in the England set up and almost a certainty for Euro 2012.

CONCLUSION

ELIZABETH STEADMAN

"All 3 players were brilliant for Villa but James Milner is the stand out man for me. Despite the signings of Stephen Ireland and Jermaine Jenas (loan) the Villa midfield lacks his cutting edge, work rate, assists and goals. Although I'm not sure new manager Alex McLeish's style of play would suit his central midfield role, he can also play on the wing, another position where Villa are struggling. His first season at Manchester City didn't see him start many games, but this season he looks as though he is looking to cement a place in the starting 11. Despite scoring against us on our recent trip to the Etihad (and notably not celebrating), I know a lot of Villa fans still admire him and would love to have him back at the club."

DMF 

The obvious choice here would be James Milner in my opinion. His work ethic and end product are something that Villa have missed greatly this season although they sit in a decent position in the league. Ashley Young has been superb for Manchester United and England this season but with Marc Albrighton, Charles N'Zogbia and the in-form Gabriel Agbonlahor they are stacked for options on the wing. James Milner's versatility and winning mentality makes him the perfect choice to fit straight back into the Aston Villa team.

Do you agree with the choices @avfcelizabeth made? Let us know in the comments section or on Twitter!

DMF. (@dmf180593)