Aston Villa: Should O’Neill cash in Ashley Young?

Ashley Young’s scintillating form last season has caught the attention of some of the biggest names in world football and Martin O’Neill’s resolve on holding on to his star man will be tested if reports of a £25 million bid from Barcelona turns out to be true.

The former Watford and England international has been a huge success at Villa Park since his arrival in 2007. Young is lightening quick, has great close ball control and is one of the best crossers of the ball in the Premiership. He also has the belief to take on defenders and the ability to score. Young was voted the PFA Young Player of the Year last season and at only 23 years of age he has a great future ahead of him. However, one criticism that has been levelled at Young during his time at Villa Park is that he has never turned it on against the so-called Big Four. If you were O’Neill, would you sell the player you publicly labelled “a genius” in order to strengthen your squad?

Martin O’Neill has been in charge at Villa Park for three seasons and the club has improved under the former Celtic boss’s stewardship year on year, however, Young has publicly warned O’Neill that he may quit the club if the players who arrive this summer do not match his ambition. Will O’Neill respect his opinion or will he feel that Young is getting too big for his boots?

Spanish giants Barcelona aren’t the only team that are interested in securing Young’s talent. Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be in the running for Young’s signature, a move which could see a number of Spurs stars heading up the M6, and Chelsea can’t be ruled out either. With the World Cup just around the corner Ashley Young will want to be on top form this season in order to cement his place in Fabio Capello’s plans.

Barcelona are the Champions League holders and Young would only get better playing alongside the likes of Messi, Henry and Iniesta while also competing at the very highest level. However, Spurs could be an ideal club for him to join as they won’t have to worry about midweek European trips this season, thus letting them concentrate on breaking into the top four. His style of play would suit the fans’ ideas down to a tee and he’d be given plenty of time to recharge his batteries during the season. Or could he choose Chelsea. Carlo Ancelotti has inherited an ageing team at Stamford Bridge but Young could provide the fresh legs down the left to aid their quest for silverware.

Martin O’Neill will have learned so much about his squad last season as their lack of strength in depth ultimately cost them their Champions League dreams. Would he be prepared to sacrifice losing one of his top players in order to strengthen other areas of the team? If you were Martin O’Neill would you? I’d love to hear from you.

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