![[Home]](../gfx/m_home.gif)
![[Up]](../gfx/m_up.gif)
![[Mail]](../gfx/m_mail.gif)
![[Help]](../gfx/m_help.gif)
Darius Vassell |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![[Player Picture]](../pictures/vassell2.jpg)
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(22/6)Darius Vassell came to the attention of the Villa youth coaches, when in the seasn of 1996/97 he smashed the youth team record, managing a haul of 39 goals. He made his debut for the Midlands side in the 1998/99 season, playing the last 9 minutes as a replacement for Julian Joachim in the 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough in August. After a while on the bench he made his breakthrough into the starting line-up, and one of his best early moments came in Europe. Vassell entered the fray as a substitute after 80 minutes with Villa 2-1 down at home to Stromsgodset of Norway in the 1st round 1st leg of the UEFA Cup. Not only did he score an equalising goal in the 91st minute, but Vassell also got the winner in the 94th minute instantly becoming every Villa fan's favourite player.
However, after this, he struggled to make a lasting impact on the Villa side, and even admitted that he feared being labelled a "one game wonder". Any chance of that being the case evaporated in the 2001/02 season. Together with Juan Pablo Angel, Vassell's goals catapulted Villa to a brief spell at the top of the table. Vassell scored 16 goals overall, and came to the attention of Sven Goran Eriksson.
His England career had started with an impressive spell in the under 21 team. And in his full England debut against Holland he scored England's goal in the 1-1 draw. His selection was seen more as a reward for his performances in the league than a real chance for him to get into the national team. However, no-one told Vassell. His spectacular overhead kick gave England an equaliser, and gave him the platform to build upon. With 3 goals in his first 6 games, Vassell certainly did that, not only forcing his way into the World Cup squad, but also the starting line-up for the opening game, where he performed with the same lack of fear or nerves that have characterised his performances so far.
Darius' best qualities are his speed and agility. Aston Villa fans lamented the fact that his best performances seem to come with England, where he has proved particularly useful as a "super sub", coming on for the last 15 to 20 minutes of a game to trouble a tired defence with his exceptional pace.
After being out of the Villa side with injury for large parts of the 2004/05 season, it looked like Villa Boss David O'Leary could find no place for the speedy striker in his team. Darius had become expendable after Villa signed Kevin Phillips in the offseason from relegated Southampton. When Manchester City came knocking on the door seeking a replacement for Anelka, both Vassell and O'Leary were happy to make the deal, and a £2,5 mill. fee was agreed. O'Leary seemed the happiest of all when Vassell closed the door behind him "It's not fair to say that I had to sell Darius to bring in money," O'Leary explained and added. "That would be totally unfair on the club. This is just a good deal."
On Halloween a few months later Vassell scored twice and made one assist for City in a 3-1 win at the City of Manchester Stadium - against O'Leary's Aston Villa.