Kozak has become a sort of cult figure among large sections of the Villa supporters. He’s become seen as a exiled hero just waiting to be given his chance to swoop in and rescue the clubs turgid season.
It’s easy to see why there’s been such a clamour for Kozak to be given a more prominent role in the team. Before his own injury problems, Kozak did well replacing the then injured Benteke by scoring a couple of goals and putting in some increasingly impressive performances. He’s also has a strong pre-season and has played well in some under 21 matches this season.
The form of Villa’s other forwards has also fuelled the fans calls for Kozak to be played. With the exception of Ayew the team’s forward line has been toothless at best. Gestede has gotten increasingly worse as the season has progressed. His poor performance against Wycombe bore all the hallmarks of a man sorely lacking in confidence. Sinclair has struggled to make a significant case to be played up front and has been used more as winger recently.
Agbonlahor hasn’t been fit and even when he is Garde has not even selected him for the match day squad. Garde has also questioned Agbonlahor’s talent and professionalism and made it clear to the club he wants him gone, even if it means letting him go for free.
So why then has it taken so long for Kozak to be brought in from the cold? Part of the reason is Garde’s willingness to show faith in Gestede (who is Kozak’s main rival for a start) being able to play his way out of his slump. This is fair enough as showing faith in a player when they’re struggling can pay off in the long term.
Garde has always said the main reason for Kozak’s lack of game time is that he’s not ‘physically ready’ understandable for a guy who has spent almost two years battling injuries.
Personally, I think Kozak’s problem is that Garde isn’t sure what kind of player he is. He’s tall but he doesn’t dominate opponents aerially the way Gestede can. He isn’t especially quick or skilful and he lacks the edge of a real clinical finisher. That’s not to say he’s a bad player, he isn’t. He does everything to a good standard rather than having one or two real standout qualities, which makes it hard for him to carve his out his own niche position.
The odds of Kozak being the man who fires Villa to safety are slim but there are real positives to bringing Kozak back to the team. Being left out of the first half of the season means he hasn’t yet had his confidence ground into dust by playing in defeat after defeat. His work rate and desire are qualities that Villa sorely need. Against Palace Kozak ran his heart out for the team and looked like a man with a point to prove. This performance alone warrants a run in the team for Villa’s forgotten man.
YouTube: Libor Kozák vs Derby U21 – “Missing Man” Part 2 – Aston Villa FC 2015 HD
If Kozak can forge an understanding with Ayew than Villa fans have a reason to believe that the club have enough up front to put some wins together and finally start restoring some pride to Villa Park.
