Toni Leistner can highlight Aston Villa's summer transfer blunder tomorrow

By Jay Williams

Last summer, German media outlet Berliner Kurier reported that Aston Villa were among many teams chasing Toni Leistner.

Having left FC Union Berlin, Leistner was available as a free agent.

But Aston Villa missed out on the powerful 6ft 3in defender and Queens Park Rangers snapped him up instead.

After a shaky start to life in England, Leistner has now established himself as a fine defender.

His upturn in form has coincided with QPR’s charge up the league table and he has proven to be a rock at the back.

The 28-year-old is dominant in the air, strong in the tackle and has demonstrated his leadership skills as he captains the side.

In 24 league games, Leistner has made 31 tackles, 34 interceptions, 30 blocks and 186 clearances, according to Who Scored.

(Photo by Aston Villa/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)

The towering centre-half has also won 108 aerial duels, demonstrating his prowess in the air.

These are impressive numbers for someone who had never played in England prior to this year.

And the German defender could have been a useful option for Aston Villa, especially on a free transfer.

Axel Tuanzebe and James Chester are the preferred centre-back options. But Aston Villa have not got strength in depth in this department.

Leistner could have been a cheap fix in this position and he has a chance to show Aston Villa what they are missing when QPR travel to Villa Park tomorrow.