Ashley Young has been short of playing time this season, being an unused substitute in two of Aston Villa’s three Premier League games while having a one-minute cameo in the other, but the 37-year-old showed no signs of rust in Villa’s 4-1 win over Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday.
The Midlands outfit booked their place in the third round of the EFL Cup after coming from behind to win at the University of Bolton Stadium and Young can be very pleased with his performance on the night. The former England international turned over possession and created chances at the other end, so he was effective in both boxes.
Against Bolton, Young played for 90 minutes, had 72 touches, completed 77.1% of his 48 passes, created two chances, whipped in two crosses, made five tackles, had one interception, was fouled twice and had one successful dribble.
It’s no wonder Villa were so keen to tie Young down to a new deal over the summer when he can still perform like this when called upon. The 37-year-old is a consummate professional and reliable squad player, so that may be why Kaine Kesler Hayden was loaned out.
In other news, Kortney Hause nearing recovery but won’t play under Gerrard
