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Aston Villa season in review: Tommy Elphick

By David Bronson

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 16: Tommy Elphick of Aston Villa in action during an Aston Villa training session at the club's training ground at Bodymoor Heath on December 16, 2016 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 16: Tommy Elphick of Aston Villa in action during an Aston Villa training session at the club's training ground at Bodymoor Heath on December 16, 2016 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images) /
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Tommy Elphick did not enjoy the season at Aston Villa he’d hoped for when he joined last summer. Roberto Di Matteo’s captain sat behind James Chester and Nathan Baker for much of the campaign.

CB – Tommy Elphick, 29

Appearances: 20 (6)

WhoScored Aggregate: 6.71

Goals: 0

Tommy Elphick was Aston Villa’s first summer signing of 2016, joining on June 20th for a fee of £3 million. Elphick had been Bournemouth’s captain for three consecutive seasons that saw the Cherries advance from League One –> Championship –> Premier League.

Elphick was a major contributor to that success. Until he struggled in Premier League action – not unusual for a player use to playing in the second and third divisions of English football.

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Elphick’s arrival under Di Matteo was lauded as a nice addition to a squad beleaguered of natural leaders. Potential captain? Check. Championship experience? Check. Central defender? Check.

Elphick began the season alongside fellow signing James Chester in central defense.

Defending was an issue for the club, but it’s not the sole reason for a singular victory in their first twelve matches. Villa simply could not score and Roberto Di Matteo was axed as manager.

Steve Bruce’s arrival prompted several changes, one that did not include Tommy Elphick nearly as much. Bruce preferred to partner new captain James Chester with the left-footed Nathan Baker.

As a whole, Elphick’s season was fairly average statistically. He blocked nearly a shot per match, received only four bookings, and did not score or assist on any set pieces. His pass success rate hovered over 72%.

Next: The lowdown on Villa target Kevin Stewart

Rumors continue to circulate regarding Tommy Elphick’s future at Aston Villa. The former Bournemouth man may not wish to sit on the bench again next season.

2017-2018 Prediction: Tommy Elphick moves to another Championship club for £2 million. This move prompts Steve Bruce to bring in one or two additional center backs to compete with James Chester and the oft-injured Nathan Baker.

U-23 stars Easah Suliman and Jacob Bedeau remain two names to watch as well.

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