Looking For Laursen's Replacement

Last updated : 23 April 2009 By Tom Vickers
With the devastating news that Villa skipper Martin Laursen may chose to retire after being ruled out for the foreseeable future with a knee injury - Villa-MAD has taken a look at possible successors to the great man.

We understand that no one can really replace the defiant Dane both on the pitch and in the hearts of the Villa faithful but here are a few that could come close.


Matthew Upson (West Ham)

The central defender has done no harm to his ever-growing reputation by marshalling Gianfranco Zola's West Ham into seventh spot in the Premier League this season.

Upson is hardly the most popular man when appearing at Villa Park due to his history as a Bluenose, but he is undoubtedly a talented guy.

The former Arsenal man was handed an opportunity to impress on the international stage in a friendly against Germany in November and he didn't disappoint - nodding in the opener for England.

He fits the bill for Martin O'Neill as he is big, commanding and English not to mention experienced.

Chances of signing: 9/10


Joleon Lescott (Everton)

Another man who is hardly a Villa fans favourite, ex Wolves man Joleon Lescott is a towering presence in the Everton defence.

He has played a big part in a fine run to the F.A. Cup final and could claim a winner's medal against Chelsea on May 30.

Lescott is probably happy where he is for now and with Everton threatening Villa's place in the top five it is unlikely he would want a move back to the Midlands.

Chances of signing: 2/10


Roger Johnson (Cardiff)

The English centre back is a commanding figure at Ninian Park and he often performs crucial duties at both ends of the pitch.

Johnson has scored a number of goals from set-pieces in recent seasons and he was a massive reason why Cardiff reached the F.A. Cup final last season.

Rejected by Tony Adams as a youngster, the cool defender has grown ever since and he could be available for around £5m should his side miss out on promotion via the play-offs.

Chances of signing: 5/10


Thomas Vermaelen (Ajax)

The 23 year old Belgian centre back actually scored at Villa Park earlier in the season as Ajax suffered a 2-1 defeat in the UEFA Cup group stages.

Vermaelen is an uncompromising character with good international experience for his age (13 caps).

With youth and desire big factors at Villa, Vermaelen could be just the man Martin O'Neill is looking for and he would be a lot cheaper than an English defender of the same stature.

Chances of signing: 7/10


Micah Richards (Man City)

You have probably picked up that four of the five defenders that we have selected are English and this is not a coincidence.

O'Neill likes a domestic player and they don't come much stronger and much more athletic than Micah Richards. The powerful youngster has thwarted Villa on a number of occasions and he can be massive in the centre of defence. His England career has tailed off lately but a move to frequently watched Villa could be just what he needs.

With Man City likely to spend big in the summer; Richards could be one of those shown the door and the Claret and Blue would be more than grateful recipients.

Chances of signing: 7/10


Roland Juhasz (Anderlecht)

Somewhat of an unknown quantity to English fans, Juhasz is a lofty Hungarian defender currently plying his trade in the Belgian league.

Apparently he has recently been watched by scouts from Arsenal, Villa, Hull and Bolton and he could be available for a fair price in the summer.

Juhasz has 44 international caps to his name and would add invaluable experience to the Villa rearguard.

Chances of signing: 4/10


WILDCARD PICK: Olof Mellberg (Juventus)

What can be said about this Swedish hero that you don't already know?

Mellberg left Villa with his name etched on the heart of almost every fan and many would love to see him back one day.

Could he answer O'Neill's crisis call?

Chances of signing 1/10


Knowing Villa as we do, it is unlikely that they will sign someone predictable to fill Lausen's shoes and your guess is as good as ours.

What is certain is that the current stand-ins are just not capable of keeping the backline together and the Claret and Blue must act in the summer to repair the situation.

Ideally, Laursen will return, but we are all realistic enough to know there is only a slim possibility of that happening, meaning someone new will have to step in.