You’re about to dive into the world of Aston Villa’s greatest players of all time. From the legendary Charlie Aitken to the modern-day hero Jack Grealish, Aston Villa has had some of the most talented players in football history. With such a rich history, it’s hard to narrow down the best of the best, but we’re going to give it a shot.

When it comes to Aston Villa’s best players, there are a few factors to consider. Skill, longevity, and impact on the team are just a few of the things we’ll be taking into account. We’ll be looking at players from all eras, from the early days of the club to the present day. So, whether you’re a die-hard Villa fan or just a casual observer of the beautiful game, you’re sure to find something interesting in our list of the best Aston Villa players of all time.

Villa Legends: The Hall of Fame

If you’re a true Aston Villa fan, you know that there have been some legendary players who have graced the hallowed turf of Villa Park over the years. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the greatest players to ever don the claret and blue shirt and cemented their place in the Villa Hall of Fame.

Paul McGrath: The Rock in Defence

First up, we have Paul McGrath, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in Aston Villa’s history. McGrath was a towering presence at the back, and his no-nonsense defending style made him a fan favorite. He was also known for his ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions, often saving Villa from conceding goals.

Brian Little: Scoring Sensation

Next, we have Brian Little, who is considered one of the greatest forwards to ever play for Aston Villa. Little was a prolific goal scorer, and his clinical finishing helped Villa win the League Cup in 1975. He also had a knack for scoring important goals in big games, making him a true Villa legend.

Gareth Barry: Midfield Maestro

Finally, we have Gareth Barry, who is one of the most successful players in Aston Villa’s recent history. Barry was a versatile midfielder who could play in a variety of positions, and his passing and vision made him a key player for Villa. He also holds the record for the most Premier League appearances for Aston Villa, with 365 games under his belt.

These three players are just a few of the many Villa legends who have graced the pitch at Villa Park over the years. Each of them has left an indelible mark on the club’s history and will always be remembered as some of the greatest players to ever wear the claret and blue.

Modern-Day Heroes

When it comes to modern-day heroes, Aston Villa has had its fair share of talented players who have made their mark on the club’s history. Here are two of the best:

Jack Grealish: The Local Lad Made Good

Jack Grealish is a name that every Aston Villa fan knows and loves. Born in Birmingham, Grealish joined the club’s academy at the age of six and has been with the club ever since. He made his first-team debut in 2014 and has been a key player for the team ever since.

Grealish is known for his incredible dribbling skills, his ability to create chances, and his leadership on the pitch. He was instrumental in Aston Villa’s promotion back to the Premier League in 2019 and has continued to impress in the top flight.

Christian Benteke: The Belgian Beast

Christian Benteke may not be a local lad, but he certainly made an impact during his time at Aston Villa. The Belgian striker joined the club in 2012 and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his incredible strength and goal-scoring ability.

During his time at Aston Villa, Benteke scored a total of 49 goals in 101 appearances, including a stunning bicycle kick against Manchester United in 2013. He was also named the club’s Player of the Season in both 2012-13 and 2013-14.

While Benteke may have moved on to other clubs, his time at Aston Villa will always be remembered fondly by fans. After all, who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned Belgian Beast?

Cult Figures and Fan Favorites

If you ask Aston Villa fans about their favorite players, you’ll likely hear the names of Juan Pablo Angel and Dalian Atkinson. These two players were not only skilled on the pitch but also had a certain charisma that made them fan favorites.

Juan Pablo Angel: The Colombian Hitman

Juan Pablo Angel was a striker who played for Aston Villa from 2001 to 2007. He was known for his deadly finishing and scored 44 goals in 175 appearances for the club. But it wasn’t just his goalscoring that made him a fan favorite. Angel was also a charismatic figure who always gave his all on the pitch. He was a true professional who never complained and always had a smile on his face.

Dalian Atkinson: The Man Who Made It Rain Goals

Dalian Atkinson was a striker who played for Aston Villa from 1991 to 1995. He scored 23 goals in 85 appearances for the club, but it was his flamboyant style that made him a cult figure. Atkinson was known for his outrageous hairstyles and goal celebrations, which often involved dancing in the rain. He was a true showman who always entertained the fans.

Both Angel and Atkinson may not have been the most successful players in Aston Villa’s history, but they will always be remembered as cult figures and fan favorites. Their skill, charisma, and personality on and off the pitch made them stand out and endeared them to the Villa faithful.