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Aston Villa: The Dream Championship Lineup

By Josh Tonti

Nov 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC fans cheer in the second leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Championship against the Montreal Impact at BMO Field. Toronto defeated Montreal 5-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC fans cheer in the second leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Championship against the Montreal Impact at BMO Field. Toronto defeated Montreal 5-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur defender Danny Rose (3) dribbles the ball against MLS All Stars defender Drew Moor (3) of the Colorado Rapids in the second half of the 2015 MLS All Star Game at Dick
Jul 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur defender Danny Rose (3) dribbles the ball against MLS All Stars defender Drew Moor (3) of the Colorado Rapids in the second half of the 2015 MLS All Star Game at Dick /

RB – Carl Jenkinson, 24

On to the defense where Aston Villa complete the hypothetical loan signing of Carl Jenkinson for the remainder of the season. Jenkinson, who has been linked with Villa alongside a flurry of Premier League clubs, takes over for Alan Hutton.

Hutton is not cutting it anymore and an improvement is desperately needed. Ritchie De Laet might have taken this position had he not torn a cruciate ligament.

Jenkinson immediately offers Villa a more comfortable passer on the ball coupled with an improved crosser.

RCB – James Chester, 27

No change needed here. James Chester is one of the few Villa players capable of playing in the Premier League in their current squad.

The Welshman will benefit even further with an improved midfield ahead of him.

LCB – Nathan Baker, 25

The big man himself, Nathan Baker, reclaims his spot as the left-sided central defender. Baker is an incredible player in the Championship when he stays fresh and fit, a big question mark.

Injuries plague the center back; Baker missed a number of games for Aston Villa this season. It remains to be seen how well he would play in the Premier League, but I digress.

LB – Jordan Amavi, 22

The third player in a row to reclaim his rightful Villa place! Amavi is a mercurial talent whose performances change minute-to-minute, match-to-match.

Owner Tony Xia claims he turned down £25 million (!) bid from another club for Amavi’s services. Now I don’t believe this claim, but if it is true, it was a blatant mistake not to accept.

There are maybe four left backs in the world capable of claiming that kind of bid. Jordan Amavi is not one of them. He may not even be the best left back in the Championship; Charlie Taylor may have something to say.

He could get there, however, as his talent is off the charts at such a young age.

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