Ashley Westwood

Crewe Alexandra

Born in Nantwich, Cheshire, Westwood started his career in the academy at Crewe Alexandra. He signed his first professional contract in April 2008, along with Luke Danville, Chris Clements, Josh Thompson, A-Jay Leitch-Smith and Luke Murphy. He joined hometown club Nantwich Town, playing in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, on loan in 2008. The following season saw Westwood break into first team appearing 38 times for the club along with six goals – the first coming in a 3–2 away win at Chesterfield. The season, however, did see Westwood receive his first career red card in the 0–1 home defeat to Notts County for squaring up to Luke Rodgers after the pair tussled for the ball, the County striker was sent off for the incident as well. The young midfielder impressed the Crewe management over the season and was rewarded with a new two-year contract in December and his performances over the season were further recognised when he was named the club's player of the season. A further 46 appearances followed in the 2010–11 season along with six goals, including two in the 3–3 home draw to Torquay United. Following a string of impressive performances, Westwood signed a new deal intended to keep him at the club until 2014 midway through the campaign. With the release of David Artell in the summer of 2012, Westwood was handed the club captaincy of Crewe by manager Steve Davis. The young midfielder made three league appearances before he was linked…

Westwood operates primarily as a deep-lying playmaker although he is capable of playing in a role higher up the midfield as well as right back. After his transfer to Aston Villa, Westwood compared himself to Michael Carrick adding that he is "someone who stays out of the limelight and keeps it simple, retaining the ball and laying it off to team-mates".

As of match played 25 October 2023

Crewe Alexandra

Football League Two play-offs: 2012 Aston Villa

FA Cup runner-up: 2014–15 Individual

Burnley Player of the Year: 2018–19 MLS All-Star: 2026