Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Sun 17 May 2026 7:10, UK

Aston Villa have utilised Victor Lindelof at the base of midfield to great effect recently.

The Sweden international came in as a free agent in the summer and has proven to be a useful asset in claret and blue.

That has seen the 31-year-old overcome plenty of negative reviews from his signing announcement to being a well-respected figure at Villa Park.

He played a key role in arguably the best run of the campaign in B6 and has since proved his worth in the Europa League.

Lindelof was key for Villa against Nottingham Forest as a midfielder, but that in itself highlights what should be a key concern for Unai Emery and Co.

Victor Lindelof position raises concern at Aston Villa

There may not be many worries in the Midlands right now, considering how good the former Manchester United man has been alongside Youri Tielemans.

Against Forest in particular, he put in a stellar showing and proved exactly why he was given the nod in that position.

Suggesting that the Swede may represent a concern may seem counterintuitive, but questions do need to be asked.

Why is a 31-year-old free agent centre-back now playing as a defensive midfielder at the business end of Villa’s season?

Former scout Bryan King believes it paints a negative picture of the summer transfer business, regardless of how the defender has performed.

He said: “I think there will be an overhaul in the summer, there has to be.

“Lindelof is alright, he can cover well and he’s the kind of player that you want in your squad because he’ll play wherever you want.

“As good as he’s been, he shouldn’t be Villa’s holding midfield player. I think it’s sloppy.”

Lindelof has been superb for Aston Villa this season, don’t get it twisted, but the hierarchy needs to be questioned as to how it got to this point.

Aston Villa need midfield reinforcements in the summer

Lamare Bogarde has proven himself to be below the required standard, while Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara’s injury problems continue.

That has often left Emery with nowhere to turn within his squad, summed up by his use of Lindelof in the past two weeks.

New options are now necessary, and there have been many linked with someone like Hidemasa Morita emerging as a target on a free transfer ahead of the summer.

He is just one name linked, but he proves that there is an appetite to add to the selection in claret and blue after a frustrating campaign.

Lindelof may be key to winning the Europa League this season, but it still frustrates me that he has to play there.