A number of Aston Villa fans vented their fury over the performance of midfielder Danny Drinkwater this afternoon, with the 29-year-old failing to impress on just his second start for the club after joining on loan earlier this month.
Drinkwater was also slated by some Villa supporters following his debut for them against Manchester City last week, although he kept his place in the team for today’s 1-1 draw at Brighton. However, he was booked in the first half and then substituted after 68 minutes in favour of Douglas Luiz after a performance described by Sky Sports‘ Lewis Jones as “ineffective”.
Having played just twice in his spell at Burnley earlier in the season, Birmingham Live reporter Ashley Preece said that the ex-Leicester midfielder is “lacking match sharpness” and “still looks way short of the fitness required”, giving him a rating of just five this afternoon.
The 29-year-old misplaced 12 of his 40 passes against the Seagulls and missed the target with both of his shots, as well as being the only starter in Dean Smith’s side who failed to win any headers at the Amex Stadium. [via WhoScored]
These Aston Villa fans did not mince their words in assessing Drinkwater’s performance today, with several criticising his fitness levels:
Drinkwater has to be the slowest player ever. My lord.. #worried #avfc
— Alejandro Ollero (@o11ero) January 18, 2020
https://twitter.com/LewispAVFC/status/1218558858085441536
https://twitter.com/avfcsah/status/1218560206692585472
Drinkwater is trash.
— Memphis Villa Lions (@memphis_lions) January 18, 2020
Send drinkwater back. Useless.
— Harry ☠️ (@Harry_Fa26) January 18, 2020
Matt Ryan will need to be treated for cramp at halftime , as Villa produce one of the most lacklustre displays witnessed since the dawn of time. On with Vassilev, Drinkwater please retire #AVFC #UTV
— Liam Scahill (@LiamScahill) January 18, 2020
Drinkwater has been blown by multiple times… Off the pace again #avfc
— Gregory (@RoseCityTID) January 18, 2020
https://twitter.com/stroberts2/status/1218558788468379648
Do you think Drinkwater looks short of match fitness? Can you see him coming good for Aston Villa or was he a poorly-judged signing by the club? Have your say by commenting below!
