Marc Albrighton
Encyclopedia
Marc Kevin Albrighton is an English
footballer who plays for Premier League side Aston Villa
as a winger. He is most comfortable playing on the right side of midfield or as a right-winger, but is sufficiently effective on the left.
. He was rejected by Albion, then subsequently signed for Villa at the age of eight.
After impressing in the under-18 squad
and playing in the reserves
, Albrighton's first taste of senior action came on 10 July 2008, playing 17 minutes as a substitute in the 6–0 pre-season friendly victory over Wil
. He made his competitive debut in the UEFA Cup game away at CSKA Moscow on 26 February 2009.
, in which he scored his first goal for the club in a 3–1 win over Atlante
. He played in the Peace Cup final in which Villa beat Italians Juventus
4–3 in a penalty shootout.
Albrighton made his Premier League debut on the opening day of the 2009–10 season against Wigan Athletic
at Villa Park, coming on as a second half substitute. On 24 September 2009, Albrighton extended his contract with Villa, his boyhood club, by three years. On 29 December 2009, he made his second top flight appearance for the Villa first team, coming on as a second half substitute against Liverpool. Shortly after the game, former Villa boss Martin O'Neill
admitted that Albrighton along with fellow youngsters Nathan Delfouneso
and Ciaran Clark
were the subject of many loan offers from clubs throughout the season. However, he went on to state his belief that the trio were good enough to learn their trade in the fringes of the Aston Villa side.
against West Ham United
on August 14, 2010. In this game he assisted two goals in Villa's 3–0 win. Albrighton also made a run which led to the assist of the goal by Barry Bannan
in Villa's 1–1 draw against Rapid Vienna in the 1st leg of their UEFA Europa League qualification tie on 19 August. He scored his first Premier League goal for Villa against Tottenham Hotspur on 2 October 2010. He was sent off against Burnley
in the League Cup
on 27 October 2010 therefore missing a chance to play in the following game against local rivals Birmingham City
. On 5 November 2010 Albrighton signed a new contract keeping him at the club until 2014. On 6 November Albrighton scored his second goal of the season in a 1–1 draw away at Fulham
. On 13 November 2010, Albrighton scored his third club goal for Aston Villa against Manchester United
. He started the game alongside fellow academy products Barry Bannan, Jonathan Hogg
and Gabriel Agbonlahor
. After putting Aston Villa 2–0 up, the game ended 2–2. On 23 November, Albrighton was ruled out of action for three to four weeks after having his appendix removed, but made his return ahead of schedule in a 3–0 defeat to Liverpool
at Anfield
on 6 December, playing 65 minutes before being replaced by Robert Pires
.
Albrighton then set up both goals for the home side in the 2–1 defeat of local rivals West Bromwich Albion in December 2010.
.
He made his debut for U21 team
in September 2010 during their Euro 2011 qualifying play-offs and scored just fifteen minutes after coming on as a substitute.
the team he has supported
since a young age. He has named former players Ryan Giggs
and Steve Stone
as two of his footballing role models, along with England
legend David Beckham
who he has been compared to due to crossing ability and technique.
Personal
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
footballer who plays for Premier League side Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
as a winger. He is most comfortable playing on the right side of midfield or as a right-winger, but is sufficiently effective on the left.
Early career
Albrighton started his career at hometown club Mile Oak Monarchs, before he was offered a trial at Villa's local rivals West Bromwich AlbionWest Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
. He was rejected by Albion, then subsequently signed for Villa at the age of eight.
After impressing in the under-18 squad
Aston Villa F.C. Reserves and Academy
Aston Villa Reserves are the reserve team of Aston Villa, they have been part of the FA Premier Reserve League since its foundation in 1999 and are current holders of the Premier Reserve League South title. The team plays its home games at Villa Park - during the months of Autumn and Spring - and...
and playing in the reserves
Aston Villa F.C. Reserves and Academy
Aston Villa Reserves are the reserve team of Aston Villa, they have been part of the FA Premier Reserve League since its foundation in 1999 and are current holders of the Premier Reserve League South title. The team plays its home games at Villa Park - during the months of Autumn and Spring - and...
, Albrighton's first taste of senior action came on 10 July 2008, playing 17 minutes as a substitute in the 6–0 pre-season friendly victory over Wil
FC Wil
FC Wil, also known as FC Wil 1900, is a Swiss football club, playing in the town of Wil, Canton St. Gallen in the east of Switzerland. The club was founded in 1900, hence the name....
. He made his competitive debut in the UEFA Cup game away at CSKA Moscow on 26 February 2009.
2009–10 season
During the 2009–10 pre-season, Albrighton was included in the squad which played in the pre-season friendly tournament, the 2009 Peace Cup2009 Peace Cup
The 2009 Peace Cup Andalucia was an invitational friendly football tournament. It was the 4th edition of Peace Cup and was held in Spain from 24 July to 2 August in the cities of Madrid, Seville, Málaga, Jerez and Huelva. It was the first time that the tournament has been hosted by a nation other...
, in which he scored his first goal for the club in a 3–1 win over Atlante
Atlante F.C.
Club de Fútbol Atlante, is a Mexican professional football club, currently playing in the Mexican First Division League. The club is based in Cancún, Mexico as of the start of the 2007-08 season, when they relocated from Mexico City, and plays its home games in Estadio Andrés Quintana Roo.-Domestic...
. He played in the Peace Cup final in which Villa beat Italians Juventus
Juventus F.C.
Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont...
4–3 in a penalty shootout.
Albrighton made his Premier League debut on the opening day of the 2009–10 season against Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
at Villa Park, coming on as a second half substitute. On 24 September 2009, Albrighton extended his contract with Villa, his boyhood club, by three years. On 29 December 2009, he made his second top flight appearance for the Villa first team, coming on as a second half substitute against Liverpool. Shortly after the game, former Villa boss Martin O'Neill
Martin O'Neill
Martin Hugh Michael O'Neill, OBE, is a Northern Irish football manager and former player.Until resigning the post on 9 August 2010, he was manager of Aston Villa. Starting his career in his native Northern Ireland, O'Neill moved to England where he spent most of his playing career with Nottingham...
admitted that Albrighton along with fellow youngsters Nathan Delfouneso
Nathan Delfouneso
Nathan Abayomi Delfouneso is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Aston Villa. His natural playing position is as a striker, however he has been used as a winger throughout his career...
and Ciaran Clark
Ciaran Clark
Ciaran Clark is an English-born Irish professional footballer who plays for Premier League club Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland national football team...
were the subject of many loan offers from clubs throughout the season. However, he went on to state his belief that the trio were good enough to learn their trade in the fringes of the Aston Villa side.
2010–11 season
After a good pre-season, Albrighton made his first Premier League start in the first game of the 2010–11 season2010–11 Premier League
The 2010–11 Premier League was the 19th season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2010–11 fixtures were released on 17 June 2010 at 09:00 BST. The season began on 14 August 2010, and ended on 22 May 2011...
against West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
on August 14, 2010. In this game he assisted two goals in Villa's 3–0 win. Albrighton also made a run which led to the assist of the goal by Barry Bannan
Barry Bannan
Barry Bannan is a Scottish professional footballer who plays for English Premier League club Aston Villa. He plays as a midfielder and is a Scotland full international, and also represented under-21 and B levels...
in Villa's 1–1 draw against Rapid Vienna in the 1st leg of their UEFA Europa League qualification tie on 19 August. He scored his first Premier League goal for Villa against Tottenham Hotspur on 2 October 2010. He was sent off against Burnley
Burnley F.C.
Burnley Football Club are a professional English Football League club based in Burnley, Lancashire. Nicknamed the Clarets, due to the dominant colour of their home shirts, they were founder members of the Football League in 1888...
in the League Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
on 27 October 2010 therefore missing a chance to play in the following game against local rivals Birmingham City
Birmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
. On 5 November 2010 Albrighton signed a new contract keeping him at the club until 2014. On 6 November Albrighton scored his second goal of the season in a 1–1 draw away at Fulham
Fulham
Fulham is an area of southwest London in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, SW6 located south west of Charing Cross. It lies on the left bank of the Thames, between Putney and Chelsea. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London...
. On 13 November 2010, Albrighton scored his third club goal for Aston Villa against Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
. He started the game alongside fellow academy products Barry Bannan, Jonathan Hogg
Jonathan Hogg
Jonathan Lee Hogg is an English footballer who plays for Watford as a central midfielder. He previously played for Aston Villa, and spent periods on loan at Darlington and Portsmouth.-Aston Villa:...
and Gabriel Agbonlahor
Gabriel Agbonlahor
Gabriel Imuetinyan "Gabby" Agbonlahor is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Aston Villa. Agbonlahor is a product of Aston Villa's Academy and has earned three caps for the English national team. He is currently the longest-serving player at Villa Park, joining as a youth player in...
. After putting Aston Villa 2–0 up, the game ended 2–2. On 23 November, Albrighton was ruled out of action for three to four weeks after having his appendix removed, but made his return ahead of schedule in a 3–0 defeat to Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
at Anfield
Anfield
Anfield is an association football stadium in the district of Anfield, Liverpool, England, with a seating capacity of 45,522. It has been the home of Liverpool F.C. since their formation in 1892 and was originally the home of Everton F.C. from 1884 to 1892, before they moved to Goodison Park...
on 6 December, playing 65 minutes before being replaced by Robert Pires
Robert Pirès
Robert Emmanuel Pirès is a former French international footballer. He is perhaps best known for his time with Arsenal, with whom he won three FA Cups and two FA Premier League titles including the club's famous unbeaten season of 2003–04...
.
Albrighton then set up both goals for the home side in the 2–1 defeat of local rivals West Bromwich Albion in December 2010.
International career
On 2 April 2009, Albrighton made his debut for the England under 20sEngland national under-20 football team
- Round of 16 :-Friendlies:-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup running from 29 July to the 20 August 2011.-Recent call-ups:...
.
He made his debut for U21 team
England national under-21 football team
England's national Under-21 football team, also known as England Under-21s or England U21, is considered to be the feeder team for the England national football team....
in September 2010 during their Euro 2011 qualifying play-offs and scored just fifteen minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Personal life
Marc confirmed to the Birmingham Mail that his dreams have come true in playing for Aston VillaAston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
the team he has supported
since a young age. He has named former players Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs
Ryan Joseph Giggs OBE is a Welsh professional footballer who plays for Manchester United. Giggs made his first appearance for the club during the 1990–91 season and has been a regular player since the 1991–92 season...
and Steve Stone
Steve Stone
Steve Stone is the name of:*Steve Stone , American baseball player and broadcaster*Steve Stone , former English football player*Steve Stone , retired Canadian ice hockey player...
as two of his footballing role models, along with England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
legend David Beckham
David Beckham
David Robert Joseph Beckham, OBE is an English footballer who plays midfield for Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer, having previously played for Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, and A.C...
who he has been compared to due to crossing ability and technique.
Honours
Aston Villa- Peace CupPeace Cupthumb|right|400px|The opening ceremony of 2003 competitionThe Peace Cup is an invitational pre-season friendly football tournament for club teams, currently held every two years by the Sunmoon Peace Football Foundation. It is contested by the eight clubs from several continents, though 12 teams...
Winner: 2009 - Premier Reserve League Winner: 2008–2009,2009–2010
Personal
- Peace CupPeace Cupthumb|right|400px|The opening ceremony of 2003 competitionThe Peace Cup is an invitational pre-season friendly football tournament for club teams, currently held every two years by the Sunmoon Peace Football Foundation. It is contested by the eight clubs from several continents, though 12 teams...
Bronze Ball: 2009
Career statistics
| Discipline |
|---|
| Aston Villa | > 29 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | ! 37 !! 6 !! 6 | 1 |
| > 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ! 6 !! 0 !! 1 | 0 |
| > 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ! 1 !! 0 !! 0 | 0 |
