When Emile Heskey left Liverpool in the summer of 2004 it was a move to both his and the club’s benefit. A player who had it all had simply lost his way at Anfield.
A record signing in March 2000 he had pace, power and stamina. Not to mention immense strength which gave him an ability to hold the ball. Allied to this was an intelligence to draw defenders out which meant he was able to dovetail perfectly with the then two deadliest strikers in domestic football - Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler.
He could also find the net and made an outstanding contribution to the treble cup win in 2000-01 then the next campaign when the Reds finished Premiership runners-up. A tantalising seven points adrift of champions Arsenal.
A couple of seasons later his confidence - such an important factor to most players’ games but crucial to Emile - had plummeted. So had his value. His initial fee of £11 million had more or less halved over four seasons as had his stock within the game.
January 2010 and 12 months after he was last linked to an Anfield return not only is Emile Heskey back in the England squad he is rumoured to be a prime target for two of the Premier League’s established top four clubs.
Chelsea are linked though probably a long shot. Even with Didier Drogba heading to Angola for the African Cup of Nations and likely to stay with his Ivory Coast side to the very end of tournament Carlo Ancelotti is unlikely to have to live up to his promise of running around his training ground naked.
At least not on Heskey's behalf.
Drogba's flip-flops are far too big for the current Villa man to fill. The Ivorian does not only provide a presence upront and similar to Heskey bring the best out of others he is a genuine goal threat. When his head is on - one of the best in the world.
With Nicolas Anelka an automatic selection at Stamford Bridge there are other options. Though the suitability of Daniel Sturridge despite his two goals in the FA Cup is debatable.
Liverpool is a more realistic destination should Villa decide to recoup some of their investment. Though even this prospect seems remote.
Of the possible suitors for a Champions League place Villa are the outsiders. Lacking the financial clout of Manchester City and Tottenham plus the depth of these squads plus that Liverpool have while they back-pedal there is a tactical imperative for Martin O'Neill to keep hold of a man whose attributes help a team which relies on pace in counter attacks and doesn't hold the ball for long.
Heskey, who his fellow pros admire and recognise the contribution he makes, allows the pressure to be relieved better than anyone else on the Villa Park books.
Different to John Carew holds the ball and makes sure it sticks usually bringing in the right player when the time is right to release. Gabriel Agbonlahor will rifle upfield but is too unpredicatable to be the out ball.
However, like Wayne Rooney at international level Agbonlahor thrives on the type of service Emile provides.
Fabio Capello stuck with Heskey despite regular domestic starts being at a premium and broke his rule about minutes on the pitch being a crucial selection criterion simply because he increases Rooney's potency, allows him to have the license that has hurt opponents and paved a trouble free World Cup qualification.
Emile thrived under O’Neill during his time at Leicester. His prowess as a target man even revitalised the career of Tony Cottee and the Foxes without a final since 1969 won the League Cup twice in a few seasons.
Now the Irishman is making Heskey one of the first names on his teamsheet.
Emile never worked under Rafa who it is said would have retained his services if amongst the pool of players inherited from Gerard Houllier. That may be true but how long that association would have lasted is another matter.
At that stage the 26 year old needed an arm around his shoulder and reassurance about his contribution to the club plus the security of his first team place. Rafa would not have been that comforting figure and rotation would have been unbearable.
By leaving Anfield he could have had a future in L4. Now just weeks away from blowing 32 birthday candles out and with not just experience but having displayed he can ride the blows life throws at him Emile Heskey has probably shown he has the mental toughness to play for a club like Liverpool no matter if the side seems to be lurching between a challenge for honours or failing to meet its own standards.
But the tactical imperative facing O'Neill is not one his opposite number at Anfield necessarily faces.
Though Rafa has employed a 4-4-2 system this term most recently against Reading its results have not always been convincing meaning the five man midfield or a formation which is often summarised as a 4-2-3-1
No matter what the personnel employed in certain parts be that Alberto Aquilani, Lucas Leiva, Dirk Kuyt or possibly Maxi Rodriguez it allows Steven Gerratd to maraude through the middle with wide options left and right.
One man leads the line. When fit that has to be Torres who will find the net with the same grace and regularity that has hallmarked his time at Anfield.
If he should miss games due to the abdominal injury he has been carrying or the type of problems which can often recur in an explosive player namely hamstring and other strains there needs to be a more firepower in reserve.
Only one purchase or even a loan is likely in this department. Given the financial constraints there may well be none especially as there may be additional resources needed elsewhere.
Heskey remains one of the most shot shy forwards in the game holding up play and knocking balls on is simply not a priority.
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