Shoots of recovery as Jordan begins to bloom
The French defender has lifted his game to become a reliable and consistent performer, writes Gregg Evans
JORDAN Amavi hasn’t had it easy at Villa. Dropped early into his career by Tim Sherwood because of his defensive lapses, the £10 million signing was up against it from day one.
Former director of recruitment Paddy Riley was the man who pushed to sign the Frenchman but the manager at the time had other preferred options.
When Remi Garde replaced Sherwood, Amavi had a new lease of life. Then came his heartbreaking, season-ending injury.
Watching on from the stands, the France Under-21 international could do nothing about Villa’s subsequent relegation from the Premier League.
There were worries in pre-season as well when he broke down after feeling the effects of a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
In that desperate EFL Cup defeat at League Two Luton, Amavi’s weaknesses were once again highlighted.
There were genuine concerns Villa would never see the best of a left-back who starred in Ligue 1 with Nice. As it happens, those fears have slowly eased.
Amavi was given the opportunity to impress after fellow left-back Aly Cissokho conceded two penalties in Steve Bruce’s first two games in charge – and how he’s taken his chance.
We don’t see the marauding runs forward as often as last season but, crucially, he’s cut out the high-profile errors.
It was unfair to judge Amavi on his performances at the start of the season because he had been out for so long.
Clearly, he’s taken note of the constructive criticism by improving his overall game.
Going forward he’s still a threat. This season he’s created more chances and his deliveries still cause problems.
But it’s the key interceptions, the last-ditch headers and the nullifying of wingers which have made a difference. Before Saturday’s defeat at Leeds, Villa were unbeaten since his re-introduction to the side and that’s no coincidence. He has made the rearguard more difficult to beat.
Okay, he struggled early on against Brighton but over the course of the game he got the better of Anthony Knockaert, one of the hottest widemen in the Championship.
So much so that Knockaert was substituted and that alone is proof Amavi stuck to his task.
We’re seeing a confident defender these days who makes up for his lack of height with pace, determination and a willingness to improve.
There are small shoots of recovery from a player who has endured a stuttering start to life at Villa.
But, as the weeks pass, you get the feeling there’s still more to come from the full-back – and that’s an exciting prospect.