Jlloyd To Move Forward At Villa?

Jlloyd Samuel, who has usually played as left-back for Aston Villa, was utilised on the left wing against NEC Nijmegen and says he would be willing to play there again if that is what Martin O’Neill wanted.

He explained to the official site: ‘The gaffer’s been trying different things, and where he wants us to play. I played left midfield, inside left and then went to left back at the end against Nijmegen. It’s one of those things where he’s trying to see where I can fit in best. The boss wants to be flexible with his formations so 4-4-2 can become 4-3-3 very quickly. He’s trying to get a more attacking game out of me. He wants me to go forward more with more directness. It’s something hopefully that I can enjoy and hopefully things will get better for me.’
‘Who knows what could happen in that situation? It’s a long season and the manager has his thoughts of what he wants to do. You have to play where you are put and give the best you can. It was a different position for me on Tuesday, and something new for me to learn. I just have to try and enjoy it at the moment. I’ve always thought I had the belief in me to get forward and excite people.’

On his future, after several links out whilst David O’Leary was in charge, he said : ‘A new manager has come in now and we all have to take it from here and see what happens. But if it means I am now a left winger instead of a left back, I am prepared to fit into that if that gets me into the first team. We all want to be playing games. If the manager sees that position as the best one for me, then I have to try and make it my own.’

Interesting thought, he is certainly best when getting forward and when on form his crossing and attacking play is top notch. However, where does Gareth Barry play then? Many fans think his best position is left back, or left of defence in a three man set up but it appears that Barry doesn’t like that role and wants to play in midfield.