The rise of Tyrone Mings is no less than a fairy tale. The 26-year-old Aston Villa ace even thought of quitting football during his non-league days. But fortune took a turn for the good when he was identified by Mick McCarthy and joined Ipswich Town in the aftermath of a successful trial back in 2013.
The English centre-back was living his dream when Eddie Howe roped him in a couple of summers later. An £8m transfer to Premier League set the expectations high. But Mings’ dream turned out to be a nightmare as on his debut; he suffered a severe knee injury minutes into his introduction.
Mings was ruled out for more than a year and slipped down the pecking order by the time. Dean Smith, meanwhile, came to the rescue and loaned in the 26-year-old on the winter deadline day to be a part of Aston Villa’s rally to regain top-flight status. The Villans succeeded sensationally and the defender impressed with his towering presence in the heart of the backline.
The Claret and Blue did not hesitate in tying him down permanently at the end of the previous campaign and Mings, exquisite so far in the first four games, earned his maiden international call-up after impressing the Three Lions chief Gareth Southgate.
The Reason Behind His Resurgence
McCarthy, Howe and Smith – all used to be centre-backs in their playing days. But the contribution of John Terry behind his uprise has been highlighted (as quoted by the Birmingham Mail) by the player himself.
He’s developed my game for sure. To learn from him and kind of take little pieces of advice from him is something I feel really fortunate to be able to do. We do a lot of work on clips and reviewing my performances, I feel like I am in a really good place and have a really good mentor to learn from.”
The ex-Chelsea skipper is closely monitoring the defenders since being appointed as Villa’s assistant manager after hanging up his boots.
Why There’s A Lot More To Come From The Centre-half
The player, meanwhile, is in his mid-twenties and has undergone years of exasperation amid injuries, controversies and the lack of first-team minutes after regaining full fitness. But he must shut out the bygones and fulfil the expectations after such an encouraging start to his Aston Villa career. Mings has showcased his astounding defensive traits, and the resilience exhibited deep down the pitch should see the Birmingham giants protecting their Premier League existence despite difficulties.
