‘Ciaran Clark could become one of the best defeders in Europe’ – Carlos Cuellar hails his young Aston Villa team-mate

Ciaran Clark of Aston Villa (Getty Images)

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Carlos Cuellar has backed his Aston Villa team-mate Ciaran Clark to become one of the best defenders in Europe.

Villa are awaiting the appointment of a new manager and Cuellar believes that Clark will have no trouble impressing the new boss.

The young Irishman broke into the first-team last season under Gerard Houllier, playing in several positions across defence and also in midfield.

Cuellar told the club’s official website: “Ciaran Clark is one of the best defenders I have played with.

“He will be one of the best defenders in the Premier League and in Europe too in my opinion – he really is that good.

“If he keeps up this kind of progression and keeps learning, he will definitely be one of the best defenders around – I rate him that highly.

“He is quick, he has good technique – he can play. He can also tackle and he’s good in the air – he’s got everything you need to succeed and flourish.”

Clark has already appeared for the Republic of Ireland’s senior team and made 16 league appearances for Villa last season, scoring three times including a brace against Arsenal.

Cuellar himself seems set to leave Villa Park, with a return to former club Rangers on the cards, but would appear to be in no doubt that the club have a ready-made replacement.