Former Aston Villa man Alan Hutton has singled out Anwar El Ghazi as “one of the best” and praised his adaptation to the Premier League when speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
Hutton’s praise comes after El Ghazi netted the opener on the weekend in Villa’s 2-2 draw with Burnley. It was, in fact, Hutton’s summer replacement Frederic Guilbert who supplied the cross from the right-wing for the Dutchman to latch onto and guide the half-volley into the far corner past Nick Pope.
El Ghazi was brought in originally on a season-long loan ahead of last season and, reflecting on their time together, Hutton said: “I think he is one of the best. For me last season in the Championship he was a massive player and he has continued it on.”
The Dutchman’s six goals and six assists in the second tier helped steer Villa towards promotion and resultant of how much he proved himself to Dean Smith, he was signed permanently in the summer on a four-year deal.
Hutton feels he is showcasing his talent for what it is now after adapting. “He had a slow start at the beginning to find his feet, like some of the other players also, I think the Premier League is one of the toughest leagues in the world, if not the toughest, so he was going to take time to adapt just like the others boys.”
With two goals and one assist in his last four appearances in the league for Villa, he is making the impact that Hutton knows he can.
Hutton added: “He’s coming into his own now, looking fit, looking strong and as you say scoring goals.”
Who should start at left-back for Aston Villa, Neil Taylor or Matt Targett?
Taylor
Targett
Aston Villa fans, can El Ghazi help fire the club to safety? Let us know in the comment section below!
About the Author
