Like every Aston Villa fan out there, Dean Smith would've been a happy man on Saturday afternoon after his team made light work of Middlesbrough in a 3-0 win at Villa Park, which saw the Birmingham club move up to sixth on the Championship table.

But, the Villa manager would particularly have been pleased with the excellent showing of winger Anwar El Ghazi against Boro.

The 23-year-old has been one of the standout performers in the team this season and has especially been brilliant in Villa's last four matches, which they all won, making a massive surge up the league table. But, if the Villans were to continue this good form and finish the season in a playoff spot, then the fitness and availability of El Ghazi will be pivotal for Smith and the club.

The Dutch international has, fortunately, not had any injury problems so far this season and has enjoyed great game-time the whole campaign. Indeed, he's particularly thrived under Smith since he took charge of Villa in October last year.

If Villa were to continue this good run and miraculously earn promotion to the Premier League for next season or at least put in a proper fight in the playoffs, then Villa would need El Ghazi to stay consistent and deliver performances like on Saturday.

His pace on the left flank has been a massive key to how Villa set up to attack, while his link-up play with striker Tammy Abraham has also been superb. He has definitely benefited from the return of captain Jack Grealish, who has also been very important to Villa's recent success on the field.

Grealish's good passing and movement have put El Ghazi in a better position on the wing to attack with pace and skill.

El Ghazi - rated at £4.5m by Transfermarkt - is also not very afraid to make runs in-behind defenders lately due to Grealish's excellent long balls and distribution. A truly all-round player and one probably too good for the Championship.

Jack Grealish may take the plaudits but it's his Dutch teammate delivering promotion punches.

Aston Villa fans, how impressed have you been by El Ghazi this season? Is he too good for the Championship? Join the discussion by commenting below...