Aston Villa: £80k-a-week star must 'prove himself' in 'big six months' | OneFootball

Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings will have to “prove” himself to manager Unai Emery in an upcoming “big six months”, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Mings endured a difficult spell at Villa Park when Steven Gerrard was at the helm, so time is of the essence in displaying his ability to the new man in the dugout.

What is the latest news involving Mings?

After struggling to make his mark for the Villans under Gerrard, the 29-year-old was snubbed in Gareth Southgate’s selection of the England squad for the Qatar World Cup, with the likes of Conor Coady and Ben White instead preferred.

That disappointing news came after the Englishman was stripped of the Villa captaincy earlier this season, with John McGinn being handed the armband, so it has certainly been a tough season for the centre-back.

Despite the setbacks, the 6 foot 5 enforcer has managed to force his way back into the team, after not being included in the starting lineup on the opening day against Bournemouth, and he has gone on to make 13 Premier League appearances so far this term.

Having started both Premier League games since the Spaniard’s arrival, performing well according to Birmingham Live, former Villa striker Frank McAvennie told Football Insider that the new manager could take a “liking” to the £80k-a-week man, in a boost to his potential future at the club.

What has Jones said about Mings?

Jones claims that the onus is now on Mings to prove himself to Emery, and that continued improvement in form will come down to the character that he displays in the coming months, telling GIVEMESPORT: “Mings has probably got more to prove, I think he’s got a big six months ahead.

“He’ll still believe in himself, he’s got to at this point, it’s all going to be about strength of mind for him, I think, in how he comes through this.”

Should Villa offer Mings a new contract?

While the defender has undoubtedly had precarious moments this season, making a disappointing mistake against Chelsea to gift the opposition a goal back in October, he has took any setback in his stride, and refused to let it get it him.

Last time out, in a 2-1 win away at Brighton & Hove Albion, the colossus made a remarkable 11 clearances, five more than any other player on the pitch, to keep the opposition at bay, and help secure an important three points for the Villans.

While he will have to continue to put in performances like this when the Premier League season resumes in late December, the 17-time England international has already started to prove his worth to the manager, and Mings’ deal should be extended beyond 2024 if he continues in this manner.