Victor Lindelof, what a fantastic signing he has been. He arrived at Aston Villa on a free transfer from Manchester United in September 2025 as cover in the centre of defence.
We did not really see what he was capable of until December 14, when he had a run of six matches in the Villa starting line-up.
Out of those six games, Villa won four, drew one, and lost one. One of those victories came against Manchester United, the very club we signed him from. Not bad at all.
At the age of 31, it is not like Lindelof is heading towards retirement. In fact, defenders often enjoy longer careers than players in most other positions on the pitch.
However, in recent matches Lindelof has found himself pushed further up the pitch into a defensive midfield role because of the injuries we have picked up in that area. And I must say, he has done a fine job for the team. Outstanding, in fact.
I have been really impressed with his calm demeanour, his reading of the game, and his ability to play accurate forward passes that put Villa on the front foot. Considering he is a central defender, he has adapted to his midfield role remarkably well.
Looking at his two spells in the side, firstly in the centre of defence back in December, and now more recently in the midfield, it does make you wonder why he has not been used more often.
Which is why, on Wednesday evening against SC Freiburg in the Europa League final, Lindelof has to be one of the first names in the starting line-up, even if Amadou Onana is fit enough to play.
The many positive attributes Lindelof brings to this Villa side could be hugely important on Wednesday night.
He has earned this. UTV
Personally if Onana is fit I would play him, not saying Lindalof hasn’t been good he definitely has, but this is a crunch match and I believe that Onana has a little more to offer, so we must give it our best shot with our strongest team
In any case Lindalof will be on the bench if he’s needed
Couldn’t agree more, the aerial ability at both ends of the pitch thst onana brings could be critical. Think frieburg score regularly from set pieces