On march 2012 · Birmingham Mail
Shay Given has urged Villa to sign up fans’ favourite Carlos Cuellar on a new contract.
Cuellar’s deal expires at the end of the season and although the claret and blues have opened talks with the defender, they have yet to put a firm offer on the table.
The popular Spaniard has been among Villa’s most consistent players during his 12 league and cup starts and one substitute appearance. Since he returned to his specialist central role in Richard Dunne’s absence, the defence have conceded just once in three matches.
And Cuellar’s contribution has not been lost on Given with the club’s elder statesman admitting the versatile centre-half deserves an extended stay.
“He’s a great guy around the changing room, I hope he does stay,” said Given. “I don’t know what’s happening about his contract situation.
“People sometimes say that football players do too much talking, but Carlos is doing all his talking on the pitch.
“He’s playing some great stuff and I’m sure that Randy Lerner, Paul Faulkner and the guys that make these decisions have taken big notice of that.”
Cuellar has deputised at right-back and left-back this season before reverting to central defence last month and has impressed in each position.
And Given reckons the 30-year-old stopper boasts all the attributes Villa need in a defender as they start to plan for next season and beyond.
“Since Richard Dunne’s gone out, Carlos and James Collins have been fantastic,” said Given.
“Carlos is very cool and calm on the pitch, so he deserves great credit because he does his job without too much hassle.
“You look at the goal at Blackburn when he set up Charles N’Zogbia, and there was a little bit of Lionel Messi magic on the wing!
“He’s very comfortable on the ball and a traditional ball-playing centre-half, but he’s a very good defender too.”
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