<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/09/agggy.jpg"></a>
When Gabriel Agbonlahor first stepped on the grass of Goodison Park at the age of 19 for his Aston Villa debut against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/08/29/what-if-landon-donovan-stayed-at-everton/">Everton</a> great things were expected from the Birmingham-born striker. His lightning pace and direct runs coupled with his physique and agility made him a nightmare for opposition defences.
Impressively, Agbonlahor featured in all 38 Premier League games during the 2006-2007 season which actually was just his second season in the first team. His pace meant that he was often utilised on the wing but he still managed nine goals for Martin O’Neill’s side that season.
The following three seasons proved to be more prolific as he reached double figures in the scoring charts each time with 36 goals in 109 appearances. By the end of the 2009-2010 season, Agbonlahor could boast of three England caps and all this was before his 24th birthday.
Unfortunately, he never managed to repeat the feats that earned him a call to Fabio Capello’s England team and he is yet to reach double figures again in a Premier League season. Injuries and bad form played a big part as Aston Villa failed to build on the impressive performances under Martin O’Neill. From a side fighting to break the top four, Villa quickly regressed into a side fighting for survival season after season.
Gerard Houllier and Alex McLeish followed the North Irishman in the Villa hot seat and their conservative approach failed to get the best of Agbonlahor who was once more asked to cover defensively on the wings. This blunted his goalscoring abilities as the Birmingham side paid big money to bring in Darren Bent and later Christian Benteke to try and solve their shortage of goals.
Last season, Agbonlahor (who is actually the leading Premier League top-scorer in Aston Villa’s history) only managed four Premier League goals in 30 matches – one less than wingback Leandro Bacuna who featured in just 26 matches.
The Birmingham-born striker’s powers seemed to be on the wane and many felt that his time at the club was coming to an end with the owners looking to get rid of his wage bill.
However, as so often happens in football, the tables have been well and truly turned in a few matches. Villa’s impressive start to the current season has seen them collect 10 points from a possible 12th with Agbonlahor scoring two goals. His goal against Liverpool not only gave his side the three points, but it also showed that a predatory instinct that had been alluding him for years.
Against the Reds, Agbonlahor scored from the only real sniff at goal he had all game pouncing on a loose ball in the box by twisting his body to get a shot in. His agility was reminiscent of earlier years and his celebrations betrayed a sense of relief.
One must remember that Agbonlahor is going to be 28 in October so now is supposedly the time for him to reach his peak powers in his career. Injuries notwithstanding, the early signs this season are very positive and a recall to the England squad should not be to far down the pipeline if he can maintain his performances.
England certainly need another pacey option in attack to compete with Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge, plus with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2013/07/19/christian-benteke-agrees-aston-villa-contract-extension-through-2017/">Christian Benteke</a> struggling for fitness, Agbonlahor has been presented with an opportunity to showcase his abilities in a central role. It’s an opportunity that he can’t afford to miss.

Gabriel Agbonlahor Form Means An England Recall Could Be On The Cards

Gabriel Agbonlahor Form Means An England Recall Could Be On The Cards - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/06/16/usa-2-1-ghana-usmnt-grabs-late-winner-to-defeat-ghana-watch-match-highlights-video/usmnt-8/" rel="attachment wp-att-105257"></a>
While <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/08/21/tim-howard-announces-hiatus-from-us-mens-national-team/">Tim Howard</a> continues to play for Everton and spend more time with his family, there will be sizeable void in the United States Men National Team’s defense in a very literal sense. Between the two back-up goalkeepers who traveled with the team to Brazil, and a few scattered amongst MLS and the English Premier League, the fight for a starting birth should become very interesting during the next year. A handful of friendlies and the 2015 COCACAF Gold Cup will present candidates with a great opportunity to stake a claim. Who Klinsmann will bring to those games is, as of right now, very much up in the air and as a result let’s have a look at the potential incumbents to replace Howard in goal.
Brad Guzan&nbsp;
The 29-year-old <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/08/15/aston-villa-201415-season-preview-lack-of-buyer-casts-dark-shadow-over-club/">Aston Villa</a> keeper has been Howard’s back-up since earning his first call-up in 2006 and is the likely choice to replace Howard. Guzan has seen field time on random occasions, mostly stepping in when Howard was injured. Despite being the No. 2, Guzan has proven himself a fantastic shot-stopper each time he’s taken the field for the USMNT, which included two clean sheets during the qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup against Costa Rica and Mexico.
Nick Rimando
As the third string goalkeeper for the United States in Brazil, Rimando is likely to see some playing time for the USMNT during Howard’s leave. However, &nbsp;it’s unlikely that he will take Howard’s place long-term. Although Rimando holds the record for most shutouts in MLS, however, aged 35, this may work against him and he’ll likely rise to the role of back-up for Guzan and remain there until Howard’s return.
Sean Johnson
Chicago Fire goalkeeper, Johnson has seen a bit of playing time for the U-20 and U-23 teams, as well as a some field time for the senior team as a substitute. He also earned a start against Costa Rica where the USMNT claimed a 1-0 victory. At 25, Johnson is touted as the future custodian of the United States, but there will be fierce competition for the spot.
Bill Hamid
At 23, Hamid has a long future with the USMNT. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/08/21/dc-united-is-the-antithesis-of-mls-3-0/">D.C United</a> player is known for his fiery temper, but made a debut for the United States against Venezuela in 2012. Jurgen Klinsmann will always keep an eye out for the youngster, who is more than likely to fight it out for that third position in the pecking order. The 2018 World Cup should be used as a driving motivation for Hamid.
Cody Cropper
Although Cropper is only 21 he plies his trade with Southampton and represents what Klinsmann wants for the future of the USMNT team – young and athletic players who play in Europe. He has not earned a call-up for the senior team, only playing for the U-20 side. However, Cropper went to California before the team left to Brazil to train with Howard, Rimanddo and Guzan last summer. With friendlies and Gold Cup matches ahead, Cropper might receive his first appearance for the senior USMNT, and making a big impression would do his chances the world of good.

Candidates Who Could Replace Tim Howard During His Leave Of Absence

Candidates Who Could Replace Tim Howard During His Leave Of Absence - World Soccer Talk

Latest news from Aston Villa. Find out about all the news related to Aston Villa on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Aston Villa - Page 13"

News

Gabriel Agbonlahor Form Means An England Recall Could Be On The Cards

News

Candidates Who Could Replace Tim Howard During His Leave Of Absence