Aston Villa: Ashley Young hailed as the dead-ball king

Nov 27 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

STEVE Sidwell has hailed Ashley Young as the deadliest dead-ball deliverer around as the winger prepares to take on the Tottenham team which coveted him during the summer.

Young was at his brilliant best during the first half of the corresponding match between Villa and Spurs last season, even though Martin O’Neill’s men ultimately lost 2-1.

Harry Redknapp was forced to remove Young’s marker Didier Zokora after 35 minutes and was so impressed that he tried to sign the former Watford star in the close season.

And Sidwell admits that Young is arguably the best in the business when it comes to delivering setpieces.

“I’ve never played with anybody who can deliver a ball that well,” said Sidwell.

“His wing play is phenomenal.

“He can score goals and win games by himself but his delivery is brilliant and with the people that we’ve got in the box we should be scoring more from the chances that he gives us.

“He’s up there with the best in the Premier League for delivery, that’s why he’s got England recognition, and he just needs a bit of luck.

“If a few of the balls he puts in are converted and he starts getting a few assists confidence grows again and performances start coming back.

“His performances, not just in that game, but throughout last year were fantastic.

“For me he’s still played very well this year, but I’m sure he just wants to show people what he can get back to and I’m sure that will increase his chances with England.”