Heeeere’s FREDDIE!

By: Chris | March 3rd, 2009

That’s right, folks – Bouma’s back!

Aston Villa left back Wilfred Bouma, by far my favourite player and one who could form part of a rock solid back four with Martin Laursen, Curtis Davies and Luke Young next season, sustained a particularly nasty dislocated ankle way back in July. He picked up the injury at Villa Park in our Intertoto Cup win over Odense, and seeing his leg in the air in the ungodly shape it created was a moment I’ll never forget.

We’ve missed Freddie, but now he’s back. Bouma played a full 90 minutes for the reserve team last night, featuring in Kevin MacDonald’s team as it beat Chelsea 4-3. Some quotes from the Dutchman on his return, stolen unashamedly from AVFC.co.uk:

“It was a good game to come back for because it was very high-tempo. We weren’t really in it for the first 15 minutes but gradually we came back and deserved the win. I have played 45 and 70 minutes in behind-closed-doors games but this was something different. It was a proper competitive match in front of supporters and it was great to be out there. What pleased me was that it felt so natural to be out there playing – even though I have been out of action for many months.”

Welcome back, Freddie B. But what to do with him? I think we’re clearly lacking in the full back department. Luke Young has been an absolute revelation – even at left back – but it’s clear that Martin O’Neill doesn’t fancy Nicky Shorey, because Craig Gardner, Nigel Reo-Coker and Carlos Cuellar are definitely not right backs. The ideal scenario for me is Young on the right and Bouma on the left.

However, I think I’d prefer we didn’t see Bouma start a first team game this season. We have only 11 matches left, and although he’s the best full back on our books I see little reason to rush him back from serious injury. If anything, we need to get Reo-Coker back in for Cuellar at right back to give James Milner some support up that right wing.

So close to the end of the season, I hope O’Neill gives Bouma a full pre-season before throwing him in at the deep end. Yes, we’ve got plenty to play for, but surely it’s best to protect Freddie for as long as possible? What do you think?

Meanwhile, Isaiah Osbourne has joined Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of the season. The 21-year-old midfielder has featured intermittently in our European adventure this season, and has been knocking around for what seems like forever.

I don’t like to be too critical of any Villa player, least of all a kid. But Ozzy is no footballer. He’s just simply not good enough, and I believe he sticks out like a sore thumb even in the company of his apparent equals. The likes of Moustapha Salifou and Barry Bannan have, for me, shown more than Osbourne. Apart from that excellent performance at Goodison Park once upon a time, Ozzy has consistently looked like a rabbit in headlights whenever he’s pulled on the shirt.

It’s a shame for the lad, because he always works his socks off, but the quality just isn’t there. I hope he does well at Forest, because there must be talent in there – he wouldn’t have got to where he has without it. If he performs for the rest of the season, perhaps a permanent move would be best all round.

What do you guys think of Ozzy?