While the Benteke saga has been developing in Birmingham, Paul Lambert and his Aston Villa team are away in Germany as they undergo a training camp and play three games against lower league opposition, SV Rodinghausen, SC Paderborn and VFL Bochum. Yesterday Aston Villa kicked off their pre-season friendlies against SV Rodinghausen. Here are the squads for both halves. All six signings made their debuts.
First Half: Guzan, Vlaar, Baker, Bacuna, Albrighton, Delph, Sylla, Bowery, Tonev, Bennett, Herd.
Second Half: Steer, Lowton, Okore [Carruthers], Clark, El Ahmadi, Helenius, Agbonlahor, Luna, Westwood, Weimann, Gardner.
The final score line was 1-1 and it was Helenius who scored on his debut. Lowton provided a cross and Helenius headed in from close range. Siek scored a freekick to level the scoreline for SV Rodinghausen. Okore limped off after a back injury and he was replaced by Carruthers, the extent of the injury will be analysed at base.This game was more about fitness rather than the results, so I don’t expect Lambert to be too concerned right now.
A few players did stand out, Albrighton made his return from injury and played well. Was very much involved in the play and not only had a very good chance, but also created a good cross for Bacuna who headed wide. Helenius also impressed, not only did he score the goal he, Weimann and Agbonlahor were all attacking threats throughout the match.
