I think it’s fair to say that most Aston Villa fans feel like Reading diddled us when we paid a reported £5million for midfielder Aaron Tshibola.
The now 23-year-old was brought in by Roberto Di Matteo back in the summer of 2016 and he’s achieved a grand total of ten appearances since, with one goal returned.
Having been farmed out to Nottingham Forest, MK Dons and now in his second spell with Kilmarnock, it looks like he’s finally begun refinding the form that attracted Robbie to him.
Former assistant gaffer Steve Clarke certainly seems to be getting the best out of him and he again took his opportunity to shine as Killie took an unexpected 2-1 victory over Celtic last weekend.
⚽️| @AaronTshibola put in an outstanding midfield performance, being the focal point of @KilmarnockFC's play in their 2-1 win over Celtic!
He's at central midfield in our #TOTW!
Read it ???? https://t.co/KLg9Dgk0nV pic.twitter.com/Kj0Lh6RDM3
— SPFL (@spfl) September 25, 2018
Definitely seems to have an extra spring in his step compared to the few performances we saw from him before he was summarily bombed out and forgotten about.
Social media can be a funny place at times and once I’d scanned through fans discussing how you actually pronounce his name properly, I finally found some reactions to his performance.
Good battle nothing but love and respect for my bro youssouf.mulumbu ????❤️???????????????? @ Rugby Park https://t.co/0dj56VRy5M
— Aaron Tshibola (@AaronTshibola) September 23, 2018
You're the man????????⚪
— Andrew (@CHAEJlNAH) September 23, 2018
Tish 1 Mulumbu 0, just the start big man, time to do the same to the rest ????????
— killiepaul (@killiepaul97) September 24, 2018
Well done for your performance, and showing yourself to be the bigger man.
Love and respect on your side maybe, but after yesterday's showing, I'd question him. Moaning and falling about is one thing, attempting to elbow your face is another.— Chris H (@hutchylad) September 24, 2018
Has he managed to climb out your back pocket yet? ????
— SC's Juggernaut (@C4mmy31) September 23, 2018
You let him out your pocket yet
— craig smith (@craigkillie1869) September 23, 2018
Well done another great performance the day the apprentice became the master !!
— Martin Duff (@killiefocus) September 23, 2018
The midfield controller ????
— Dave (@DaveCUrie) September 23, 2018
Superb , strong and commanding midfield performance by you and @AlanPower8 today ????????
— Mark Robertson (@MarkMR7) September 23, 2018
Aaron Tshibola the midfield controller, what a game! ???? Bossed the midfield, enjoy your night????
— Dan1elM (@Dan1elMK) September 23, 2018
You were superb today in midfield. Be careful though as Steve Bruce may have you back playing CB!!! UTV
— William Eccleston (@VillaWill84) September 23, 2018
Great to see him doing so well in fairness, maybe he’ll get a proper crack if he returns next summer?