Dean Smith was full of praise for Tyrone Mings, calling the on-loan defender “a really good player”. Due to a lack of playing time at Bournemouth, Mings joined Aston Villa until the end of the season and has resurrected his career in the Midlands.
The 26-year-old has formed a formidable partnership with Kortney Hause at the heart of the defence and is now one of the first names on the teamsheet. He’s made eight Championship appearances and has played every minute of every game since his arrival, providing composure in possession and an assuredness in defence.
It’s no surprise Villa have kept three clean sheets since February. Mings has adopted a leadership role at the club and is already regarded as a vice-captain. Smith has been delighted with the centre-back’s performance on the pitch and says Mings has been highly influential off it.
He told Villa’s official website: “It’s off the pitch as well as on the pitch in my opinion. From no instigation from me at all, Jack Grealish, when he’s come off in the last couple of games, has given the armband to Tyrone Mings.
“That just shows the influence he’s had off the pitch and also in the dressing room. But he’s someone I have known about for a long time. When I felt we could get him in, I was really pleased.
“The fact he hadn’t played many games over the last 18 months didn’t bother me because I knew he was over his injury problems. He looks a really good player. And I believe he is a really good player. Hopefully that can continue until the end of the season for us.”
Villa don’t have a buying option on Mings, but they could convince the Englishman to turn his loan deal permanent this summer if they return to the Premier League.
A win over Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon could see them move into the playoffs. Villa are currently eight in the Championship with 54 points from 37 games and have three consecutive wins under their belt.
