No mistake made by Steven Gerrard on Tyrone Mings at Aston Villa

on August 10, 2022 at 7:00 am

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel has defended the decision by Steven Gerrard to replace Tyrone Mings as Aston Villa captain.

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John McGinn wore the armband and Mings watched on from the bench as his old club Bournemouth handed Aston Villa and opening day Premier League defeat, but Friedel believes Gerrard had every right to change the captaincy ahead of the new season.

“Steven Gerrard hasn’t made a mistake by taking Tyrone Mings off captaincy duties,” he told BoyleSports.

“Gerrard didn’t have a full pre-season last year with the team and I’m sure he has had other things to solve alongside the captaincy.

“I think it’s fair when a new manager comes in and when they assess the situation, they can make the call and choose who the leaders in the group are.

“It’s normal when a new manager comes into a team and gets a full pre-season. I don’t see this as earth-shattering news to be honest, it’s quite normal.”

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Friedel also believes a top half finish is well within reach of his former club despite their disappointing start to the season.

“It will be hard for Aston Villa to finish in the top ten,” he added.

“But I think it’s achievable. There are a lot of teams that have strengthened and the Premier League is a hard league.

“Villa have some good players and Steven Gerrard will set goals for the club and himself. Gerrard doesn’t accept mediocrity or trying to be second, he’s trying to set standards at the club.

“They will need to have a really strong season, but it is achievable.”

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