Football Insider pundit Paddy Kenny believes Ashley Young will be a ‘massive’ signing for Aston Villa both on and off the pitch.
The Lowdown: How Smith will use Young...
Young sealed a return to the Midlands earlier this month on a free transfer from Inter Milan.
The 35-year-old, who left Villa for Manchester United back in 2011, signed a one-year contract at Villa Park.
He spoke with Watford and Burnley but decided to return to Villa, where Dean Smith will reportedly use him in two different positions.
According to The Athletic’s Villa correspondent Gregg Evans, Smith sees Young as cover for left-back Matt Targett and right-back Matty Cash.
The Latest: Kenny’s claim
Kenny, 43, was talking to Football Insider and had this to say about Young, believing he will be a great influence on the Villa dressing room.
"I’ve heard in the game he comes across as the sort of bloke who’ll be great to have in the dressing room.
"He’s experienced and you can’t beat experience. He’s still got the legs, that physicality, and he can still run too.
"He’s gone to Inter Milan and won the title so what a signing that is to get him back after so long.
"I’m sure he’ll be a massive addition to their squad. They are looking ambitious and Dean Smith could have a really good season with them."
The Verdict: A shrewd signing by Villa
Young knows just what it takes to turn out in front of the Villa faithful, and his versatility on a free transfer could prove to be an extremely shrewd signing by Smith.
The Englishman mainly played as a left-midfielder for Inter Milan last season but has turned out as a full-back on over 100 occasions throughout his career.
He’ll be able to serve as backup to both Targett and Cash, and who knows, should Smith be short of wide attacking options, he could well decide to play Young further forward.
Villa are thought to be after two wide forwards this summer and have already signed one in Emiliano Buendia. If they don’t add to their attacking ranks, they may rely on Young in even more ways than expected.
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