Photo by John Todd/ISIphotos.com
United States fullback Eric Lichaj has completed his return from a hip injury that kept him out of action for the better part of the last five months, making the bench for Aston Villa's first team in its last two matches. Despite Lichaj being a candidate to go on loan upon his return, Aston Villa appears to be remain committed to seeing what he can do for the club, even if that means moving him to a new spot on the field.
Lichaj played 90 minutes at left back during Aston Villa's reserve match against Fulham on Tuesday, getting a rare look at the position with the Premier League club. Aston Villa won, 3-0, and Lichaj came close to scoring according to a match report, having a left-footed shot get tipped over the bar.
Lichaj at left back is not a new development overall, but him playing there for Aston Villa is.
He played both fullback positions while on loan at Leeds United last year, and he also played at left back for the national team during this past summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup. He started the final against Mexico on the left, but he had to move to right back after Steve Cherundolo exited the game with an early injury.
The 23-year-old defender remains a candidate for an emergency loan in order to receive more first-team minutes, but Tuesday's match is a further indication that Aston Villa might not want to send him elsewhere after doing so in each of the last three years.
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What do you think of this development? Do you think Lichaj is better-served on the right or the left? Who are your ideal fullbacks for the national team going forward?
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