In previous articles, we have looked at Tammy Abraham, John McGinn, Conor Hourihane and Jack Grealish as possible contenders for Villa’s Player of the Year. Now, we look at an unsung hero in the middle of the park.
Out of all the players that are potential contenders for Villa’s Player of the Year, there is no doubt that Glenn Whelan is one of the most less glamorous of players on the field of play. But it is just that what makes him great.
Whilst a Tammy Abraham will continue to be a goal machine, McGinn would power through the midfield, Hourihane would score a specular free kick and Grealish would dance past the opposition. Whelan would just be near-perfect at the ugly side of the game.
His ability to break up play, sense danger, be in the right area, protect the back four, keep things simple and be aggressive in a tackle are just some of the things he does right.
Dean Smith’s side are unbeaten in their last 12 matches – winning 10 of those games – and there is no doubt that Whelan has been a standout performer during that period.
As Villa head into the playoffs, he will be a key figure in the middle of the park and he is someone that allows the more attack-minded duo McGinn and Grealish to do their stuff in the final third.
Simply put, Whelan is an unsung hero in this team and there is no doubt that the Villa Park faithful appreciate what he does on the pitch.
