A Way Too Early Look at Aston Villa's Candidates for Player of the Season

It's been an interesting season for Aston Villa thus far.

Hopes were high for their first campaign back in the Premier League since 2016, but the Villans remain in the middle of a relegation scrap, along with about half of the other teams in the division.

A few summer signings have impressed while others have flattered to deceive, but who are the current contenders for the club's player of the year award?

Dean Smith

Obviously it would be Jack Grealish, but for argument's sake let's say it's still all to play for.


John McGinn

John McGinn

McGinn scored the winning goal and won man of the match in the play-off final against Derby last season as Villa got promoted.

The Scotsman is an effective engine in midfield and is a strong fan favourite. His injury in December ruled out him for a few months and he has been sorely missed in the middle of the park.


Nevertheless, he has managed three goals and two assists in the league this season. He strengthens the team both offensively and defensively, also earning admirers for his strong dribbling and passing.


Tyrone Mings

Tyrone Mings

Mings is Villa's man mountain at the back and has been their best defender this season. Villa have struggled to keep clean sheets this season, with only four in total, but without Mings that record would be a hell of a lot worse. He's also picked up two goals and an assist, including the equaliser against Manchester United in the 2-2 draw.

England manager Gareth Southgate has clearly been impressed with the 6'5 former Bournemouth defender as he made his debut in October against Bulgaria. His performance was assured, despite constant racist abuse throughout the game.

He has the potential to become a top player and is a goal threat from set-pieces. If he were to suffer a long-term injury, Villa would be in serious danger of getting relegated.


Anwar El Ghazi

Anwar El Ghazi

El Ghazi signed for Villa in the summer permanently, after a year loan spell from Lille. He scored the first goal in the play-off final against ​Derby and was involved in the second that sealed promotion. 

The Dutchman is an influential figure in attack and poses a serious threat to opposition defences. He has played in 25 games this season and notched up six goals and six assists in all competitions during that time.

He will need to share the burden of producing and scoring goals with Grealish for the rest of the season to keep Villa away from the relegation zone.


Jack Grealish

Jack Grealish

Grealish has been Aston Villa's standout player this season and he is the main reason they aren't sitting in the relegation zone.

Playing in a more attacking left wing role this season rather than featuring centrally has meant he has been heavily involved in the team's attacking output. He's their top goalscorer in the league this season with seven and also tops the assist chart with five.

His performances have also put him in contention for the England squad for the European Championship in the summer, as well as some increased transfer interest. Manchester United among other teams have been loosely linked with Villa's star man and he may be on the move the summer if Villa get relegated.

Without a doubt, the 24-year-old has been Villa's best player this season.



Source : 90min