Would Barton be good for Villa?

Friday, 05/08/2011

by Steven Green, Shoot's Aston Villa blogger

After what has been a whirlwind week for Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton there is still speculation over the most important mater of all that has been reported; his future.

Bookmakers Ladbrokes have Villa as joint favourites with Arsenal to secure the troubled players signature and many Villa fans have been asking themselves if he’s worth the trouble.

He’d certainly add a much needed bite to the centre of the park. I, like many others, think it’s time to move Stiliyan Petrov on to new pastures as he is too slow and often goes missing during games.

Jean II Makoun will prove himself as a great buy in good time but he failed to adapt straight away and may well benefit from a more experienced Premier League campaigner beside him.

Villa also have young duo Barry Bannan and Fabian Delph who will be vying for a starting spot. Delph in particular could benefit from leaning from Barton. Both love a tackle and know how to pick a pass. If Alex McLeish could channel Barton’s fiery temper then he’d most definitely be worth looking at.

Personally, I like Barton, he is exactly what Villa need, a nasty, gobby and tenacious ball winner who will roll his sleeves up and grab the game by the scruff of the neck. Something we’ve been lacking since Andy Townsend was in the team.

Although it’s been said that Villa are unlikely to do any more business over the summer I think that if an exceptional deal came along the club would be foolish not to look into it.

Barton is by no means a world beater but he is a player who if used properly could be the difference between a 12th placed finish or a seven place finish. And he’s got two years and £7m on Scott Parker!

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