Dion Dublin says Martin Laursen's injury has been a big blow for Aston Villa
Apr 23 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
DION Dublin has underlined Martin Laursen’s importance by labelling the Villa captain a mixture of some of the Premier League’s best ever defenders.
Laursen is expected to announce a decision on his future in football imminently after another potentially career-threatening knee injury.
And Dublin insists the Danish defender’s latest setback is a resounding blow to Villa given his immense contribution to the claret and blue cause.
“I think it’s huge,” said the former Villa striker, who also played at the back during his career.
“He epitomises a centre-half. He is a mixture of Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. For me, he is just an out-and-out winner. He will do whatever it takes to stop the ball going in the back of the net.
“He will just put his head in, he can pick a pass, he can make a tackle. He is one of the best centre-halves Villa have ever had.”
Dublin admits it is no coincidence that Villa’s back line have lost confidence since Laursen last featured against Albion on January 10.
Martin O’Neill’s men have struggled in the past 11 league and cup games in particular, conceding 25 goals and failing to keep a single clean sheet.
“It’s a confidence thing,” said Dublin.
