Despite their form in the Champions League, the lack of consistency during Villas-Boas's tenure means he has not really improved on the work of the previous coach, Luciano Spalletti, and the title won last season is not as highly regarded as it might have been because various teams were in turmoil, with CSKA Moscow the only serious challengers.
Pedro grew into Barça's attack during Villa's absence, and now there is the arrival of a superstar, Neymar, to link up (Barcelona hopes) with Messi.
Such was the form of winger Morley during Villa's title season that he worked his way into the England setup by the end of 1981, and although he would not make the World Cup squad – despite singing on the World Cup single – he had the consolation of being a European Cup winner, his part in Peter Withe's winner legendary.
The elder statesmen delivered as the Londoners showed the passion, character and commitment that was often conspicuous by its absence during Villas-Boas's brief reign.
The 20-year-old, who will undergo surgery, suffered the injury during Villa's Under-21 Professional Development League game against Stoke.
In May, a 15-year-old boy suffered lung damage from a smoke bomb thrown during Villa's game at Wigan.
Lambert decided very early on that it was Benteke who should be the spearhead of his new Villa era, creating much debate and questioning by sidelining £24m England striker Darren Bent, even during Villa's struggles.
A 15-year-old boy suffered lung damage from a smoke bomb thrown during Villa's trip to Wigan in May, and in February a 14-year-old boy was killed by a flare thrown during a match in Bolivia.
In May, a 15-year-old boy suffered lung damage from a smoke bomb thrown during Villa's game at Wigan, while in February a 14-year-old boy was killed by a flare thrown by supporters during a South American Libertadores Cup tie in Bolivia.
However, the seeds of doubt have evidently grown in O'Neill's mind regarding his goalkeeping options and after watching Given in action during Villa's recent League Cup defeat to Leyton Orient, he took the decision to bring him back into the fold.
During Villas-Boas's first months in charge, Friedel has bailed out the defense.
