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Aston Villa season in review: Mile Jedinak

By David Bronson

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Mile Jedinak of Aston Villa talks to the press during a press conference at the club's training ground at Bodymoor Heath on April 21, 2017 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Mile Jedinak of Aston Villa talks to the press during a press conference at the club's training ground at Bodymoor Heath on April 21, 2017 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images) /
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If James Chester was the rock for Aston Villa, Mile Jedinak was rock 1a. Australia’s inspirational leader was the brute enforcer in central midfield. Without Jedinak in the lineup, Villa won a singular match.

CDM – Mile Jedinak, 32

Appearances: 33

WhoScored Aggregate: 7.20

Goals/Assists: 0/2

Mile Jedinak enjoyed a hugely successful maiden season at Aston Villa. Facing exile at Crystal Palace, Jedinak decided to test the waters in England’s second division.

Roberto Di Matteo managed to court the Australia legend on a three-year deal, the second year of which begins this summer.

Jedinak started 33 matches for Aston Villa out of a possible 46. International duty and a string of groin injuries limited the midfielder to that amount. As such, one of Steve Bruce’s goals this summer is to find cover in defensive midfield. The graphic below reveals just how dire the club became during Mile’s absences:

A single match won out of twelve (before the draw with Brighton in which Jedinak missed, so it stands at 13).

Undoubtedly, it makes sense why the club is interested in Liverpool DM, Kevin Stewart.  The other central midfielders in the squad do not possess the same qualities as Jedinak. Most notably, his insane 6.1 aerial duels won per match in league play.

Moreover, the lack of a definitive shape during Jedinak’s absence caused a multitude of headaches for manager Steve Bruce. His preferred 4-3-3 with Jedinak anchoring often transformed into a 4-4-2. With Mile, Henri Lansbury and Conor Hourihane were afforded the luxury of being higher up on the pitch. Their creativity and sublime passing ranges remain necessary to improve production.

Next: Four strikers Steve Bruce should sign immediately

Between Lansbury, Gardner, Hourihane, and Bacuna have enough quantity and quality in midfield. What they lack, however, is a true like-for-like replacement to Mile Jedinak. Otherwise, Steve Bruce has to change the entire system.

It won’t be any easier on the soon-to-be 33-year old’s legs. He has an entire summer captaining Australia at the 2017 Confederations Cup.

2017-2018 Prediction: Jedinak enters year two of three at Aston Villa. It’s hugely important for the club to find one other defensive anchor in central midfield. Jedinak starts 30+ more league matches next season – playing very well in the process.

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