Mile Jedinak has started 3 of Villa’s opening 4 Championship games at centre-back.
Following a turbulent summer, Aston Villa have started the season well under Steve Bruce, and with 8 points from 4 games the club sit 5th in the Championship.
Bruce has also done some impressive business in the loan market, signing Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe, Lille winger Anwar El Ghazi and Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Andre Moirera for the season, with Everton winger Yannick Bolasie close to joining as well, as reported by BBC Sport.
One area Aston Villa remain light is along the back line, and the continued selection of 34-year-old midfielder Mile Jedinak at centre-back has caused concern amongst some fans.
Jedinak has started Aston Villa’s last 3 league games at the heart of defence, and it appears that is likely to continue as Bruce has revealed that he will stick with the Australian at centre-back.
“I see him going forward (playing at centre-back) because I feel we need more energy in the middle of the pitch,” the Villa boss told the Birmingham Live.
“I just think that for his career and us at the moment, that’s the progressive thing for him.”
“I think he’ll get better. He had an outstanding few games for us last year. He’s done OK and I’m sure he’ll get better at it.”
Captain James Chester is the clear first-choice in central defence for the Villans, but the identity of his best partner is less clear.
In addition to Jedinak, Bruce has Tommy Elphick and Tuanzebe to choose from – with the latter playing at full-back this season.
Bruce – who is unlikely to move for a new centre-back, according to The Birmingham Mail – appears to believe Jedinak is his best option next to Chester, much to the annoyance of some Villa fans on Twitter.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
