Alan Hutton: Aston Villa’s version of Lazarus?
It would be fair to say that Alan Hutton is a man who has consistently polarized opinion since his arrival from Spurs under Alex McLeish. Throughout the turbulent patches of form that have all too often plagued Villa in recent times, Hutton has routinely been subject to vehement criticism from fans.
Various managerial changes have seen him regularly drop in and out of the team. Paul Lambert famously resigned the Scotsman to Villa’s ‘bomb squad’ of top earners (Hutton was reportedly on a £40,000-a-week contract). Indeed, when the right-back was shipped out on loan to Spanish side Mallorca back in 2013, it looked as though his time in Claret and Blue was up. However, fate had other ideas. Four years later, the Scottish international is still plying his trade in B6 much to the delight of Villa’s fan base.
In true comeback fashion, Hutton has resurrected his fortunes under Steve Bruce. He is now a key figure in Villa’s promotion hunting first team. As well as featuring in seven of the club’s 10 Championship victories this season, strong performances in games such as the Second City Derby have increased his stock value in the team. A no-nonsense tackling style helped the side keep a clean sheet at and take a valuable point at St Andrews. Similar actions in the 2-0 victory over Ipswich earned him a very respectable WhoScored.com rating of 7.31.
It is clear that such achievements represent a new style for Alan Hutton. Gone are the days when he would endlessly charge down Villa’s right flank leaving the side open to a counter attack. This is a man who now reads the game much more adeptly. Selectively choosing the right moments to surge forward but also tracking back when a threat is imminent. The fact he is the club’s first choice right-back despite strong competition from James Bree and Ritchie De Laet is a testament to Hutton’s new work ethic.
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Since Villa’s relegation, he has really found his feet in the second tier of English football. It has been fantastic to see the man rediscover some of the form that made him such an enticing prospect back in his days at Rangers. With John Terry out of the equation for the foreseeable future, Hutton is now one of the most experienced players in Villa’s back four, a quality that will be invaluable over the forthcoming festive period. Results attained throughout December may dictate the club’s fortunes come the end of the season. This suggests that Hutton’s continued good form is imperative to the maintenance of Aston Villa’s positive run of results. Let’s hope that we get more of the same from Villa’s ‘Braveheart’.