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Ahmed Elmohamady has had a few disappointing games this season for Aston Villa, but has certainly earned his new “Mr. Consistent” title in the clubs current unbeaten run.
Words by Mark Jirobe (@VillaMarkPGH)
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Alan Hutton went off injured against Stoke at the end of Februrary, and it’s safe to say something happened when “The Scottish Cafu” trotted off of the field.
Generally, a league game in late February wouldn’t change the fortunes of a football clubs season. In this case, it just may have. Ahmed Elmohamady covered for Hutton at right-back in that game, and has for Aston Villa ever since. The Egyptian international has slotted well within Dean Smith’s set up at Aston Villa, winning back the respect and appreciation of Villa supporters.
There was most definitely a time when Villa fans were questioning Elmohamady’s longevity and effectiveness this season. There were claims he was too old, has lost too much pace, couldn’t cross a ball as well as he could previously in his career. These things may still be true, but it is worth noting that the experience Elmohamady has offered to the Aston Villa starting eleven is unmatched.
In the absence of Alan Hutton, Elmohamady has given Dean Smith every reason to allow him to keep his place in the starting XI, even with the return of Manchester United loanee Axel Tuanzebe from injury. Many Villa supporters may argue that Tuanzebe is the better of the two defenders and that fact may be true.
Alas, there is no arguing that Villa have won five games on the spin and are now sitting in a playoff position with games still be played. Changing the squad at this juncture doesn’t seem like a keen idea and it would be a massive surprise if Dean Smith even thinks about doing so.
Panic ensued when Alan Hutton went down with an injury. Aston Villa supporters are definitely not quiet in their admiration for the 34 year old fullback. It shows what a consummate professional Elmohamady is to step into Hutton’s role, perform well enough and do all he can to help this Aston Villa squad get promoted by any means necessary.
Elmohamady may not be a world beater right-back, and that’s okay. Aston Villa doesn’t need him to be. They just need him to stay solid, stay alert and keep paying to the small details in all areas of the pitch.
He has been really strong since he came back into the side. However, he was pathetic in his previous run under Smith, including showing McLean inside against Stoke and a very poor game at home against Leeds where he allowed Clarke inside for their first goal and then presented the ball to Roofe for their winner. I much prefer this Elmo!!