Claret Villans
Fansided

Aston Villa: It’s Time to Make Yannick Bolasie a Super-Sub

By Josh Tonti

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Yannick Bolasie of Aston Villa in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Stoke City at Villa Park on December 15, 2018 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Yannick Bolasie of Aston Villa in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Stoke City at Villa Park on December 15, 2018 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The on-loan Everton winger has not impressed in recent months following insertion into the starting XI. It doesn’t matter what he earns as a footballer, Aston Villa must make decisions for the good of the team.

It’s time to make Yannick Bolasie a super-sub once more.

As form in recent weeks has faded (one win in nine), Dean Smith must make adjustments for the betterment of the club. There don’t have to be drastic changes, but small things can go a long way. For one, give John McGinn the captain’s armband for the ensuing few weeks. Just as you did at Brentford, rotating captains can reward excellent play and send a message to those who aren’t performing (that’s not a knock against James Chester).

Another would be to utilize the strengths of Yannick Bolasie and relegate him to the bench. Yes, you read that correctly. Bolasie is at his best when he’s stretching fatigued defenses late in matches, just as he did in the Fall under former manager Steve Bruce. Since his insertion into the starting XI, he’s been neutralized by opposing teams, evidenced by zero goals and assists since December 15th.

More from Claret Villans

The timing could not be better; André Green was recalled from Portsmouth, giving Villa its necessary 4th winger to make this work. With Anwar El Ghazi, Albert Adomah, and Green on board, Smith can alternate his choices depending on play-style and opponent, and utilize Yannick Bolasie in the second-half.

Frankly, I don’t care what his reported wages are. The betterment of the team is paramount and Bolasie isn’t performing well of late. He’s getting paid whether he plays or doesn’t.

For every bright dribble or 1 v. 1 take-on, there are 2-3 turnovers or poor passes in between. Aston Villa can’t afford that level of inconsistency with the current state of the defense.

A more consistent wing presence and wide defender will go a long way. Moreover, it gives the team its best weapon late in matches – a blitzing Yannick Bolasie against tired legs.

Dean Smith, I implore you to make Bolasie a super-sub, at least in the short-term.

Home/Editorials