This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Darren Bent has suggested that Conor Hourihane can feel hard done by that he hasn’t had more game time at Aston Villa this season, as reported by Football Insider.
What did he say?
Hourihane has struggled for consistent minutes this season, which is largely down to the level of competition in Villa’s midfield.
The Republic of Ireland international has made just five Premier League starts this season, coming off the bench three times, though he has still managed to amass two goals and two assists.
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Speaking to Football Insider, Bent admitted his sympathy for Hourihane’s situation: “He has been hard done by but I think really, I like Douglas Luiz, I like the three in there of Douglas Luiz, Jack Grealish and John McGinn – when you play them that’s a hard three to crack.
“He can count himself unlucky but all he can keep doing is do exactly what he did against Newcastle, which is make an impact and make a difference. Scoring one and making one, he can’t do any more than that.
“He did the right thing, he reminded Dean Smith that he’s still there, that he’s still going to put a shift in and that shows the attitude and character of himself.”
Things could improve
The 28-year-old can definitely feel hard done by regarding his lack of starts, especially due to the return he can boast despite the limitations.
However, there are now signs that things could be set to improve for him, after the performance against Newcastle that Bent mentioned, where the Irishman managed to get a goal and assist.
Jack Grealish’s move to the left-wing should help him to get more minutes moving forward, as it frees up another place in the midfield alongside Luiz and McGinn.
It would be very harsh for him to be dropped against Manchester United, considering his performance in the victory over the Magpies, so this really is a chance for him to kick on and put the frustrations of relative early-season obscurity behind him.
In other news, an Aston Villa talisman has been praised for more than his talent.
