Aston Villa, one of the oldest and most respected football clubs in England, boasts a rich history of players of success, filled with incredible who have left an indelible mark on the club. From its early days to its more recent triumphs, Villa has been home to numerous iconic figures. Some players are forever etched in the history of the club for their extraordinary talent, leadership, and dedication. This article by Wintips highlights the 7 Aston Villa best players that you cannot miss.
Top 7 Aston Villa best players that made history in European football
Join us as we look back on and rank the 7 Aston Villa best players of all time:
7. Dennis Mortimer
Dennis Mortimer’s name is synonymous with leadership, hard work, and success at Aston Villa. As the captain of the club's 1982 European Cup-winning team, Mortimer secured his place in Villa folklore. His tireless running, intelligent passing, and tactical awareness played a pivotal role in Villa’s success during the early 1980s.
In 1981, Mortimer led Villa to the pinnacle of English football, winning the First Division title. This was a momentous achievement, as it marked the club’s return to the top of English football after several years. However, his crowning achievement came the following year when he captained the team to victory in the 1982 European Cup, making him the first Villa captain to lift a European trophy. That victory against Bayern Munich in Rotterdam was a defining moment in Aston Villa’s history, and Mortimer’s leadership was instrumental in guiding the team to triumph.
Mortimer's contribution to Villa's success during the 1980s cannot be overstated. His work ethic, skillful passing, and commitment to the club make him one of the most influential players in Villa's history.
6. Billy Walker
Billy Walker was one of the earliest stars in Aston Villa’s history, and his legacy is still celebrated today. Walker, who played for the club from 1914 to 1933, was a versatile and dynamic forward, known for his creativity, intricate passing, and clinical finishing. In an era where football was often low-scoring, Walker’s prolific goal-scoring record is nothing short of remarkable.
With 244 goals in 479 appearances, Walker still holds the record for the most goals scored in Aston Villa’s history. His goal-scoring feats helped Villa achieve domestic success during his time, and his influence on the pitch was undeniable. Even though football has changed dramatically since his era, Walker's impact is still felt today. His name remains synonymous with the club’s early success, and his legacy has inspired countless future generations of Villa players.
Walker’s achievements on the pitch earned him the respect of fans and fellow players alike, and his contribution to Villa’s history cements his place as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.
5. Charlie Aitken
Charlie Aitken is one of the most respected figures in Aston Villa’s history, thanks to his reliability, consistency, and leadership at the back. Aitken's 660 appearances for Villa, spanning over 17 years, remain a club record. He was a rock-solid defender whose leadership and defensive capabilities helped Villa achieve major successes in the 1960s and 1970s.
Aitken’s steady presence at the heart of the defense was crucial to Villa's triumph in the 1960 Second Division Championship. He also played a key role in the club’s League Cup victory in 1975. Despite his playing time being limited later in his career, Aitken was part of the squad that won the First Division title in 1981. His leadership and experience were vital during that successful season.
Known for his toughness, discipline, and dedication, Aitken was a symbol of the values that Aston Villa embodies. His remarkable consistency and resilience on the pitch earned him the admiration of fans and teammates alike. Aitken’s legacy as one of Villa’s greatest defenders is assured.
4. Brian Little
Brian Little is a player who truly encapsulates the soul of Aston Villa. Known for his flair, creativity, and ability to score goals, Little was one of the most exciting forwards of his era. Between 1970 and 1980, he made 247 appearances for Villa, scoring 82 goals. His technical ability and vision on the field made him a fan favorite and a key player during a period of transformation for the club.
Little's most significant contribution came in the 1977 League Cup final replay, where his two goals secured a 2-0 victory over Everton, ensuring Villa lifted the trophy. His performance in that final remains one of the standout moments of his career. But Little’s connection with the club didn’t end with his playing days. In the 1990s, he returned to Villa Park as the club’s manager, leading Villa to League Cup success in 1996.
Brian Little's love for Aston Villa and his dedication to the club both as a player and manager make him one of the most beloved figures in Villa’s history. His technical brilliance and leadership on the field left a lasting impact on the club.
3. Paul McGrath
Paul McGrath is widely regarded as one of the finest defenders of his generation. When he arrived at Villa Park in 1989, few could have predicted the monumental impact he would have. Despite struggling with chronic knee problems that limited his training and appearances, McGrath’s performances on the pitch were exceptional.
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McGrath was known for his intelligence, composure, and ability to read the game. His tackling was precise, and his positioning was near perfect. Even with his injury concerns, McGrath was a towering presence in Villa's defense. He was an integral part of the team that finished second in the 1990/91 First Division and won the 1994 League Cup.
In 1993, McGrath was named Player of the Year, a remarkable achievement for a player representing a club that had not won a major title that season. McGrath’s brilliance on the field and his leadership qualities made him a fan favorite and earned him a place in Villa’s pantheon of greats.
2. Gordon Cowans- One of the Aston Villa best players
Gordon “Sid” Cowans is one of the most skillful players to ever wear an Aston Villa shirt. Known for his elegance on the ball, his vision, and his creativity, Cowans was a key figure in Villa’s midfield during the club’s golden years in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His influence on the field was undeniable, as he was central to Villa’s domestic and European successes.
Cowans played a crucial role in Villa’s triumphs in the First Division in 1980/81 and the European Cup in 1982. His passing range, composure, and ability to control the tempo of the game made him a vital part of the team. Despite several transfers during his career, Cowans always found his way back to Villa Park, where he became a beloved figure among fans.
Cowans’ technical ability and his knack for scoring important goals solidified his place as one of the club’s greatest-ever midfielders. His sublime passing and leadership were essential to Villa’s successes in the early 1980s.
1. Peter Withe
Peter Withe is perhaps the most iconic figure in Aston Villa's history. His decisive goal in the 1982 European Cup final is one of the most memorable moments in the club’s history. Withe’s towering header in the final against Bayern Munich secured Villa’s first and only European Cup title, cementing his status as a club legend.
But Withe was not just a one-goal wonder. He was a consistent and lethal striker who was always a threat in front of the goal. During the 1980/81 season, Withe scored 20 goals, helping Villa secure their first league title in 71 years. His all-around contributions and leadership on the field made him one of the club’s most important players during their golden era.
Withe’s record of 90 goals in 233 appearances speaks volumes about his goal-scoring ability, and his place in Villa’s history is assured. His unforgettable moment in the European Cup final and his overall contribution to Villa’s success in the 1980s solidify his position as one of the greatest players to ever wear the claret and blue shirt.
To wrap it up
From the iconic leadership of Dennis Mortimer to the goal-scoring prowess of Peter Withe, these legends have helped shape Villa's legacy both domestically and in Europe. The achievements of these players serve as a constant reminder of the club’s success on the international stage, especially in their European triumphs. The Top 7 Aston Villa best players that made history in European football are not only etched in the annals of the club’s past but continue to inspire future generations of Villa fans and players alike. Their influence on the club's legacy is timeless, ensuring that Aston Villa’s name remains synonymous with greatness in world football.
Refer to: Top 9 Bournemouth best players who made club history.
