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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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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Ciaran Clark of Aston Villa in actionduring the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 16, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Ciaran Clark of Aston Villa in actionduring the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 16, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

Ciaran Clark; 26; 6’2″ 170lbs; second-choice central defender

Ciaran Clark’s sixteen year relationship with Aston Villa far outpaces every other player on the roster, save for Gabby Agbonlahor. Hopefully, that does not change either. The Republic of Ireland international has not featured much in pre-season, but that is likely due to his involvement in Ireland’s European Championship quest.

Clark faces steep competition to reclaim his spot in the Aston Villa lineup. Much like Jores Okore, Clark’s performances have been slowed by injury and inconsistency. Clark has never spent an entire Premier League season as a first-choice defender appearing in: 18, 25, 27, 29 games the last four seasons. He is known for his penchant crunching tackles and aerial dominance. Fleet-footed attackers can turn him around with ease however.

Next: Nathan Baker

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