Vlaar impressed by 'strong' Lambert after Aston Villa move

04/08/2012 7:55:00 AM

New Villans signing thinks that the club can achieve a lot under the Scots stewardship, and is excited about adapting to the physical demands of the Premier League

Ron Vlaar has said he is impressed by the "strong" mentality of Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert.

The Dutch centre-back recently joined the Villans from Feyenoord and suggested that the combination of Lambert and the current crop of Villa players have the potential to improve this season, and finish higher than last term's 16th placed finish under Alex McCleish.

"It's about the way he wants to play football," Vlaar told reporters.

"I don't know what he was like as a player, but throughout my conversations with him I could see the mentality he has.

"Mentally you have to be very strong, which is very important for the team, and I feel he can achieve a great deal.

"I know what he did at Norwich was great. He has a lot of qualities, and as a group we have to listen and learn, improve every day, and I believe we can do that.

"Villa has a strong manager going forward into the new season.

"The most important thing is to play like a team, and then a lot of things are possible."

The 27-year-old, who has eight Netherlands caps, also said he was having to adapt to the faster pace and physical demands of English football - but says he is not worried by the challenge.

"The opponents are better than what I've been used to in Holland. It's better for me to play at a higher level each week," Vlaar added.

"Physically the Premier League is also better than the Dutch league, and the speed is much quicker.

"I've already seen that in practice and is something I have to get used to, but it will be no problem.

"I want to become a better player every day, but nobody can do it alone. We have to do it together.

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