View: Tyrone Mings new Aston Villa contract is a just reward for strong form this season
Aston Villa have confirmed that centre-back Tyrone Mings has penned a new three-and-a-half-year contract at the club – a move that is a just reward for his return to form after losing the captaincy last summer.
The England international had just 15 months of his contract remaining but has pledged his colours to the club until the summer of 2026 after a strong return to form since Unai Emery’s arrival in the West Midlands.
The stats don’t lie. In the 12 league games that Mings has missed since his arrival in the West Midlands, Aston Villa have just won just once. While the three games he has been absent from this term – Bournemouth, Manchester City and West Ham – the club have conceded six goals and picked up zero points.
His importance to Aston Villa is paramount – and despite having his large number of critics, Mings remains a key leader for the club both on and off the pitch.
Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side was a perfect example of the lack of leadership Villa have without him, with Ezri Konsa and Calum Chambers both struggling to contain Erling Haaland and the side lucky to concede just three after a string of superb saves by Emi Martinez.
However, when re-winding to the reverse fixture at the beginning of September, Mings’ importance to the club was shown in spades. Although the whole side pulled up trees to take a point from the Premier League champions, the 29-year-old was especially impressive as he pocketed Haaland all game long with his strength and physicality.
Hopefully, Mings will be deemed fit enough to return against Arsenal on Saturday (18 February), as Villa really do look a little clueless without his vocal leadership in the back line. The centre-back is due for a late fitness check after picking up a thigh injury just over a fortnight ago.
The prospect of Mings and the returning Diego Carlos partnering up in the heart of Emery’s defence will leave chins wagging amongst the Villa fanbase and could be a strong partnership for many years to come.
In other Aston Villa news, the club face competition from Barcelona to secure the signing of a striker at the end of the season.