Aston Villa: Deciphering the role of defender Ritchie De Laet

Belgian defender Ritchie De Laet is on the road to recovery following a cruciate knee injury nine months ago. Where he plays, though, is a mystery given the world’s worst-kept secret: Steve Bruce’s desire to play three central defenders.

The Official Aston Villa Twitter account urged patience in the recovery of Ritchie De Laet

We’ve seen this story before with Jordan Amavi. A similar autumn ACL tear kept the French defender out for 3/4 of a year, and a summer of pre-season training. Knee injuries are no laughing matter and the rate of re-injury is devastatingly high (See: Hogan, Scott).

More from Claret Villans

• Aston Villa dismiss Everton for first win of Premier League season
• Tyrone Mings injured in Aston Villa’s season-opening 5-1 defeat
• Aston Villa draw Hibernian or FC Luzern for Europa Conference League play-off
• Aston Villa sign winger Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen
• Aston Villa close in on deal to sign Pau Torres from Villareal

Whereas Jordan Amavi relies on speed and explosiveness to craft his game, Ritchie De Laet, well, does not. De Laet relies on solid technical quality and a 6’1″ frame to defend capably at both the Premier League and Championship levels.

It’s that size in particular that leaves an interesting wrinkle in his deployment.

Given Birmingham City & Harry Redknapp are kicking the tires on Tommy Elphick, Villa could be left with three senior central defenders (not counting Micah Richards, who the club are desperate to slash from the wage bill).

Ritchie De Laet is widely thought of as competing for a spot at right wingback, but that might not be where we see him come August/September.

With a plethora of RWB options including, James Bree and Alan Hutton, and the expected arrival of Ahmed Elmohamady, De Laet may settle for a spot as a reserve center back. Steve Bruce could even become more creative and use De Laet as a reserve LWB – he’s shown extreme versatility in the past.

Next: Sam Johnstone RETURNS to Aston Villa

Think of Ritchie De Laet as a poor man’s César Azpilicueta. The Chelsea defender – a right back by trade – played primarily left back under José Mourinho. The arrival of Antonio Conte in 2016 prompted a move to center back in a back three system.

Nonetheless, the competition in defense is one of the main story lines heading into the league season.