The 32-year-old impressed yet again for Aston Villa against Derby County.
It’s taken eight months but it seems that Mile Jedinak has finally gone from scapegoat to unsung hero to, well, genuinely appreciated at Villa Park.
Lamented earlier in the season for his sluggishness in possession, his perceived inability to influence a game, the battle-hardened, bearded warrior in the heart of the Aston Villa midfield is now one of the first names on Steve Bruce’s team sheet despite the January additions of the much-vaunted Henri Lansbury and Conor Hourihane.
And the former Crystal Palace captain was immense once more in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Derby County, Villa’s first three point haul since a Ross McCormack winner against Burton on Boxing Day.
Powerful in the air and tenacious on the ground, Jedinak smashed Derby’s precise build-up play to pieces time and time again, dominating the centre of midfield and providing a platform for a victory which could have huge ramifications for the club and the manager.
| Accurate Passes | Ball Recoveries | Interceptions | Aerial Duels Won | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mile Jedinak | 31 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
Jedinak may not open a defence with a splitting pass or control the tempo from deep midfield but he is the perfect player to eke out a scrappy, much-needed win. And, against Derby, he demonstrated the character and the resilience Bruce has been crying out for.
Since the 32-year-old arrived at Villa Park in late August, the club have not won a game when he hasn’t been on the pitch. Still wondering what he brings to the table?
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