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Roaming the Aston Villa Depth Chart: Center Back

By Josh Tonti

Ciaran Clark of Aston Villa celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-1 with Jores Okore (Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images)
Ciaran Clark of Aston Villa celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-1 with Jores Okore (Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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TELFORD, ENGLAND – JULY 16: Tommy Elphick of Aston Villa during the pre-season friendly match between AFC Telford United and Aston Villa at the New Bucks Head Stadium on July 16, 2016 in Telford, England. (Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images)
TELFORD, ENGLAND – JULY 16: Tommy Elphick of Aston Villa during the pre-season friendly match between AFC Telford United and Aston Villa at the New Bucks Head Stadium on July 16, 2016 in Telford, England. (Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images) /

Tommy Elphick; 28; 5’11” 188lbs; first-choice & team captain

Aston Villa’s first summer signing from AFC Bournemouth for a £3 million pound move. Elphick provides a wealth of experience in the lower English leagues; he being an integral part in the Bournemouth squads that shot up from League One to the Premier League.

In addition to playing excellent football with those squads, Elphick served as Bournemouth captain during his time on the south coast. A strong, intelligent defender, Elphick uses his all-around skill set to frustrate opposing forwards. While not enormously tall, Elphick wins his fair share of aerial duels against bigger opponents.

Interestingly enough, Elphick has received the Villa arm band during many of the team’s pre-season friendly’s. He should be the odds-on favorite to captain the side at Sheffield Wednesday on the opening match week.

Next: Jores Okore

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