Eric Lichaj

Eric Lichaj is a defender of Aston Villa. He was born on 17 November 1988 in Downers Grove, United States.

In 2003 Eric joined the local IMG Academy. The footballer had to perform for two youth teams, where he gained his first playing experience at the serious level. In January 2006, Lichaj moved to the youth system of North Carolina Tar Heels, where he spent a year before travelling overseas. Eric went to the UK in 2007, when the representatives of Birmingham side Aston Villa agreed all terms of the deal. It took the footballer one year to start his senior career.

In 2008 Lichaj penned his first professional contract and joined the main team of the club, where he continued his development. The head coach let the defender on the pitch several times so that Eric could feel the game of such high level.

In 2009 the footballer was sent on loan to Lincoln, where he added six appearances to his tally. In 2010 Lichaj went on a season-long loan to Leyton Orient and managed to get on the scoresheet one time in nine matches for the temporary team. In 2011, the defender finalized a move on loan to Leeds United, where he featured in 25 games during one season.

From 2010 Eric was capped eight times for the United States national team.