Clark To Be The Main Man

Defensive duo Richard Dunne and Carlos Cuellar have praised the ability and potential that young centre back Ciaran Clark Possesses.  It was clear for all of us to see last year that he was a very talented footballer.  Not only is he a good defender, but he is also comfortable in possession which is a quality that none of our current defenders seem to have.  I would love to see Clark get some more game time alongside Dunne but I'm sure that Collins will take his place if he is fit.

Dunne said:

“Ciaran just has to be patient this year, he is a great lad and is going to be a brilliant player, but he is still young, especially for a centre-back.

“Last year he played a lot of games in midfield and at left-back but I think he wants to be a centre-back. He had a couple of injuries over the summer but it just takes time to develop sometimes.

“Ciaran will get games and I’m certain he’ll become a regular at Villa soon enough, so he has to be patient. Maybe ten or 15 games might just be enough for him in the learning process this season.

“Eventually he will take over and become the main man at the back. He will kick on with Ireland as well. The lads who are playing at the moment have played a lot of games and Ciaran is still at the stage where he is learning.

“But it will come to him at some point and I’m sure he will be back in the Ireland squad soon enough.”

Cuellar said:

“He is one of the best defenders I have played with – he is superb,”

“He is young, but he has some amazing assets.

“He is quick, he has good technique, he can play, he can tackle and he’s good in the air. He’s got everything you need to succeed and flourish.

“He is also incredibly versatile. He can play centre-back but he’s done an amazing job at left-back too when he’s been asked to play there and he’s even impressed in central midfield.

“He will be one of the best defenders in the Premier League and in Europe too. He’s that good.

“If he keeps up this kind of progression, keeps learning, he will definitely be one of the best defenders around. I rate him that highly.

“The quality of his left foot is amazing. He is so comfortable on it.”