Midfielder Jedinak was selected at the heart of defence for the 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has told the club’s official website that Mile Jedinak looked like he had been playing centre-back “all his life” in the 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
With Villa blighted by injuries in the heart of the backline, typified by Nathan Baker;s enforced first-half departure, Bruce chose to move veteran midfielder Jedinak back into defence this weekend.
The experiment proved a success, with Jedinak contributing to a fourth victory and clean sheet in five games for Villa.
The 32-year-old has been a vital member of Bruce’s midfield this season since his summer move from Crystal Palace, but showed a surprising level of comfort at the back at Villa Park.
In fact, Bruce, who knows more than a thing or two about being a top-quality centre-half, suggested that the star looked as accomplished at centre-back as he does in a defensive midfield role.
Bruce told the Villa website: “He’s played there before. I think it’s a natural progression for him.
“He does all the stuff to protect our centre-halves so I’m very pleased for him. He did really well in that position.
“He looked as if he’d played there all his life. A couple of times he got caught with the long one down the middle but, all in all, he did very well.”
With Baker now possibly ruled out for next weekend’s clash at Wigan Athletic, it remains to be seen whether Bruce will bring Tommy Elphick into the starting XI, or again place his faith in Jedinak to help marshal the backline.
It has been only the best part of one game, admittedly, but the Australia captain has certainly given Bruce food for thought.
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