Whilst Dean Smith’s era has only just begun, collective and individual improvements are showing. We picked out five players who have improved under Smith at Aston Villa.
The likes of Henri Lansbury and Anwar El Ghazi will get some much needed game time in a behind closed doors friendly tomorrow whilst much of the squad is away for the international break.
Aston Villa have a number of senior players out on loan, including defensive options Ritchie De Laet and Tommy Elphick – both of whom’s contracts expire at the end of the season.