This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Garry Thompson has suggested that Wesley needs to start offering more on the pitch for Aston Villa, as reported by The Express & Star.
What did he say?
Wesley has had his struggles since moving to Villa Park during the summer transfer window, as is best embodied by the fact that he is currently on a run of eight games without a single goal or assist.
This drought has led to the Brazilian’s form becoming a real talking point for Villa, with Paul Robinson previously suggesting that it could become a burden.
Speaking to The Express & Star, Thompson spoke about what Villa need from him: “Mings is a leader on the pitch and you need someone to step up and replace that.
“For me at times Wesley has lacked aggression and he has to show he really wants it. This is the time when Villa really need him to step up.
“There are some big games coming up where they need to take points.”
Becoming an issue
It is undoubtedly important that Wesley begins to get involved in goals again, seeing as he is the man leading the line.
Jack Grealish has four goals and two assists from eight games since moving to left-wing, while Trezeguet has scored in each of his three most recent starts.
Red Herring or Real Hero: Only hardcore Villa fans will get all of them right….
However, the ever-present Wesley cannot continue to rely on other players in the team to make up for his goals deficiency this campaign and simply must contribute more in this respect.
It says a lot that he has managed just one shot across the last two games, and even that didn’t go on target – he has to offer more if Villa are to make the most of their inviting run of fixtures.
Their next fun league games sees them take on Sheffield United, Southampton, Norwich, Watford and Burnley. If Wesley continues to misfire during that run, there is every reason to worry about his qualities.
In other news, one Villa man could cause problems for two of Sheffield United’s defenders.
