Villa star proves that talent is worth nothing without application
It’s somewhat surprising just how candid Gerard Houllier has been regarding Stephen Ireland’s situation at Aston Villa. The Mail quotes Houllier as saying, “Stephen has told his agent that he wants to go in January. I’m not convinced about that. But once a player says he wants to go, he can go”. Houllier’s statement comes after a series of lacklustre performances in a Villa shirt from the ex-Manchester City star. He added that, “He’s got some skill, touch, an eye for a pass. But he has got to adapt to modern football as well… but it has been a huge shock for him coming from Manchester City. At the moment, he is not in the squad and will not be travelling to Wigan. It’s a football decision. Nothing else.”
That’s the problem with Stephen Ireland. During his time at City he proved he had the ability to become a star in the Premier League – it’s his application that is too often found wanting.
Some have been quick to suggest that a rift between Ireland and Houllier is responsible for the midfielder’s poor form. This is nonsense – Ireland had begun to fade by the end of his City career and had begun his Villa career poorly even before Houllier came along.
Given that we’ve seen what he can do, the problem must be with his attitude. The cynic in me can’t help but feel that Ireland is struggling to recover from being let go by City and missing out on the shed-load of cash that would have been his, had he held down a place in the City team. If the reports are true, before Ireland ‘okayed’ the move to Villa, he demanded £2 million from City. I have read about Ireland’s extensive charity work, but on a professional level, this is clearly a man motivated by money.
Stephen Ireland joined Villa as part of a Man City swap deal for James Milner. Although many City fans weren’t too happy with the deal at the time, it has turned out to be rather prescient. They got rid of a player who was costing them £65,000 a week in wages and making little contribution on the pitch. In return they got James Milner who works hard, provides good cover and could go on to hold a more permanent role in City’s midfield in the near future.
Ireland on the other hand has looked lacklustre at Villa. He has only managed to complete a full game once this season. The fire in his belly appears to have burnt out. He has had the chances to show that his head is screwed on straight and has thus far only disappointed the Villa faithful.
If a player isn’t willing to put in the requisite effort at a club, then it’s time for them to go. The papers have reported offers for Ireland from the likes of Stoke City and Fulham. It’s time for Ireland to move on. Whether or not he’ll ever manage to recover the flair and ability he had a season or two ago is another matter entirely.
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A real shame this. Stevie was shaping up to be one of the best midfielders in the Premiership. His City colleages regularly reported that he was the best player and hardest trainer in the team. When the big pay rise came his form dropped away so maybe he thinks he dosent have to put the effort in anymore. A real shame, there’s thousands who would do your job for nothing Stevie.
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yeah damn right it’s a real shame. he’s getting his paycheck now but if he carries on this way he’ll soon find that no teams want him
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Its a real shame. Its a very short career. he obviously has the talent but if he doesnt match that with a positive attitude and application towards the game he will be a very bitter man in years to come. In 10 years time his career will be over, he might be an extremely wealthy man but he will begin to realise that he never lived up to his potential. Other players of similar talent will be ‘remembered’ in the game whereas Ireland will be cast in the cateogory of ‘he could have been a top player’. This realisation will sting, and all the money in the world won’t compensate the hurt felt at his inevitable realisation that he wasted his talent. Nothing more sad in life. Pity.
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One word…”comeuppance!”
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