At long last, Aston Villa finally got their man as Charles N`Zogbia completed his move from Wigan Athletic yesterday afternoon for £9.5million and penned a five-year deal.
Inevitably coming to the fore to replace the departed Stewart Downing, this has been a masterstroke from both a business and sporting perspective by owner Randy Lerner. Downing sought pastures new up on Merseyside and Liverpool stumped up £20million for his services. Villa have replaced him with, who I feel is a far more complete player, for half that price.
The Frenchman played a pivotal role in Wigan`s survival from relegation last season, notably his stoppage time winner back in the spring against West Ham United that took it to the final day – subsequently beating Stoke City and earning another year in the holy grail of the Premier League.
His flair and energy are fundamental aspects in his play and will thrive in the attacking foray at Villa Park. With Charlie undertaking his rightful position on the left of the Villa midfield, he will be supported by another exciting starlet, Marc Albrighton on the opposite flank. Together they will form a double act similar to that of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing last season, frightening opposition defences when at their peak. With Darren Bent operating in the main central role up top, he will be looking to benefit from the service of his new teammate and was thrilled upon hearing the news that the 25-year-old was making his way down the M6.
Bent told the Birmingham Mail prior to Charles` arrival last week:
‘N’Zogbia would be fantastic. He’s a top quality player who is always getting linked to top clubs. If we can get him down here that will be tremendous for myself, being a striker and getting service and also for Aston Villa.’
The Frenchman brings an array of attributes. Although he is less creative in terms of assists – Downing and Young bettered his tally last season with nine and 11 respectively to N`Zogbia`s seven – he is certainly more dynamic than his predecessor from Teesside. In comparison to the former Middlesbrough man, Charles is much more composed on the ball and has the capability to run at the opposition. Downing at times was a little static at Villa, always looking to get his deliveries into the box as quickly as possible or play the ball simple where as Charles will look to dictate the play himself. Incredibly, he performed 301 dribbles in the Premier League last season. That was only bettered by one other player in Europe from the top five leagues and that was Lionel Messi who performed 331. That stat alone echoes his ability with a ball at his feet.
He shared the same pass completion of 78% with Downing but bettered his goal tally by two with nine goals for The Latics. That is another part of his game that will be revered by the claret and blue faithful, his ability in front of goal. He produced a fantastic display against former club Newcastle United last October with a superb brace in a 2-2 draw, scoring with not only his left peg but also his head. We too have witnessed firsthand what he can do when in on goal after he diligently slid a ball into the back of the onion bag at Villa Park back in May in our 1-1 draw with Wigan. A sign of things to come when he adorns the claret and blue? Absolutely.
With our footballing philosophy based on quick counter attacking and wing play, Charles will fit into the setup like a glove to a hand. Having signed a long-term contract and entering the prime of his career, Villa will only benefit greatly from his talent.
Share this article
Related Articles
