The powerful midfielder has endured more than his fair share of criticism this season; though Aston Villa would be worse off without him.
It’s fair to say Mile Jedinak is yet to win over each and every Aston Villa fan. At 32, his best years are most certainly behind him though the fact he has become something of a scapegoat for a number of incensed supporters does him a disservice.
After all, it surely can’t be a coincidence that Villa have not won a single game this season in which Jedinak has not started since his August arrival.
Yes, he’s struggled to match up to the tempo now and again and he’s played his part in more than a few defeats but the aforementioned statistic suggests that he remains an under-appreciated presence in the Villa side.
Villa paying price for failing to solve positional problem in transfer window
His knowledge of second tier football is invaluable. After all, he led Crystal Palace to promotion in 2012/13 and helped them cement their place in the top flight over the next three campaigns.
He’s a leader too, a vocal voice of reason in a Villa side that lacked any semblance of direction in previous campaigns.
And, according to WhoScored, no one in Steve Bruce’s squad averages more than Jedinak’s 2.3 interceptions per game, allied with an impressive 1.9 tackles. Perhaps the hirsute Aussie international warrants a little less criticism from the terraces.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
