Steven Gerrard says Tyrone Mings should be looking forward to the Premier League clash against Leeds United after running a gauntlet at Elland Road last season. The England international was given ‘dog’s abuse’ from home supporters in Villa’s last visit to Yorkshire. Despite the critics, the 29-year-old rose above it all and produced a solid all-round display, claiming an assist and keeping a clean sheet as Villa came away 3-0 winners. Ahead of Sunday’s match, Gerrard is confident that if it was to happen again, that would only motivate Mings.
Steven Gerrard said: “Tyrone should love that. He should love running the gauntlet because that’s what it’s about when you’re a player. If I was Tyrone Mings I’d be really looking forward to the weekend, I’d be hoping the gauntlet will be coming again because that should motivate you. Tyrone was outstanding there last year. He kept a clean sheet, puffed his chest out and walked out of Elland Road. That’s the only thing that should be on his mind. He’s been terrific of late. We’ve seen him close to being back to his best. We know he’s got incredible attributes. We all know a tough decision went against him earlier in the season (captaincy) and that was on me. He’s rolled his sleeves up, it’s actually put him closer to his best form and that was the idea behind it.”
Asked about Gareth Southgate’s decision to leave Mings out of the England squad in the last camp before the World Cup,
Steven Gerrard added: “I watched the England games really closely and, me, personally, there was one player on my mind through them games and it was Tyrone Mings. I know for a fact that Tyrone would have been thinking the same as me matching them games, thinking that if he keeps this form up, for me, he plays. He doesn’t just go in the squad, he plays. If he brings his best attributes and keeps his form, in a back three, Tyrone can play in that team, for sure. The gauntlet at Leeds should be exciting Tyrone Mings! When he’s at his best, shows his attributes, 6ft 4, can run, can fight, tackle, win his duels, he’s got all of the attributes in his locker. In the last two league performances we’ve seen that. If he continues and Gareth decides to go into the World Cup with three centre-backs, who gives them the natural balance, the best profile and who gives them the speed? I know it’s debatable and I’m not in a position to say but, in my opinion, when Tyrone’s at his best, for me, he should be in the England squad.”
