Victor Lindelof likened to 'one of the best players Aston Villa ever signed' by ex-Villa scout

Ex-Villa scout Bryan King compares the 32-year-old's resurgence at Villa Park to Olof Mellberg's legacy, praising his form after joining on a free transfer from Manchester United.

Victor Lindelof has made an impressive start at Aston Villa since joining on a free transfer from Manchester United in summer 2025, drawing comparisons to club legend Olof Mellberg from former senior Villa scout Bryan King.

King told Football Insider that Lindelof, 32, has recouped the form he showed at Benfica after losing his way at Manchester United. "He's a little bit like Mellberg," King said. "He was probably one of the best players that Aston Villa ever signed. Certainly a foreign player. But again, it's all about confidence. Start getting results. Start getting encouraged by the manager. It all helps individual players."

Lindelof has been a key figure in Villa's strong season, excelling in their 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Saturday. Manager Unai Emery has praised him as "a fantastic guy and a fantastic professional" with experience and consistency. Contract extension talks are reportedly ongoing as his current deal expires next summer. Centre-back partner Tyrone Mings also lauded his performances, calling him "an amazing player, an amazing character."